How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has sparked concern and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis for the use of medication. This is crucial 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 can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone will show some of these characteristics at times, people with ADHD are likely to show these to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behavior can include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It could also be accompanied by problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can include reckless purchases without considering the implications or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination or an inability ability to think ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
Many adults are reluctant to seek a diagnosis. However, this is necessary in order to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and find ways and methods to conquer them. 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 affect your life, and the completion of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel relaxed.
The Assessment
You'll have to undergo an extensive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals when it comes to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing to collect as much information about your symptoms as they can, including how they affect you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The specialist will then consider the information gathered from a variety of sources and determine an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process you will be required to complete tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily activities. You could be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who knows you well - like a family member, partner or friend. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships and work.
The expert you meet with will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and what options are available for treatment, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to conduct a private assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or denial a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor will also be able to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medications you're taking.
After the evaluation, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Depending on your needs, this may involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly if they are from the minority group. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into account. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these can result in other problems, such as anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol dependence.
This story highlights the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many people to receive the treatment they need. private adhd assessment cost uk pay to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to continue to pay for private treatment and CBT - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
It is important to ensure whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can check their website or phone number to confirm that they have the expertise needed. You can also ask whether they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the right psychiatrist or therapy, as they will be the ones who prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor who has specialized training on 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 selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to be aware of your personal preferences. For instance, some individuals prefer someone who is of their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.