How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them with.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has led to debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to go through a complete assessment by a psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone has certain traits at times but those with ADHD tend to exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can involve making rash decisions, purchasing items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on tasks and putting off deadlines, or finding it difficult to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
Many adults are hesitant about seeking an assessment, it is essential that you do so to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming these. Many of our patients tell us that once they've been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The process of assessment involves an examination of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam, and a detailed interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel relaxed.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo an exhaustive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. The assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, as it is their unique abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from various sources and make a diagnose according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be required to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess the impact they have on uk adhd assessment your daily activities. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from, as they may have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The person you speak to will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the results of your evaluation and what options are available to treat your condition, including an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will explain their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is to have a private assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
After the evaluation is completed your doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key role in attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and help them manage time and manage their tasks. Some people with ADHD may benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially when they belong to an ethnic minority. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be refused treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be difficult, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their conditions have on their lives. They don't realize that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform below their potential. However, these can lead to other problems like anxiety, depression or alcohol or drug dependence.
This story highlights the need to seek an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or by calling them to ensure that they have the expertise you require. You can also inquire whether they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they will be the one who prescribes your medication, if required. Find a doctor who has specialized training in adult ADHD. You can do this by contacting your local support group for adults with ADHD, or the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) organization to find an expert in your area.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.