How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in many patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private companies for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics provide unreliable health assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see a psychiatrist for a full examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for medication. This is crucial since a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, like flexible working and to be able to access NHS medications.
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone will show certain traits at times, people with ADHD will often demonstrate these traits to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactivity can manifest as the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate problems with planning and organizing. Insane behavior may include making rash purchases without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD is characterized by a lack of focus 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 hesitant about having an ADHD diagnosis, it's vital to seek one to receive the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and find ways and methods to conquer them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test and an in-depth clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
You will need to undergo a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their unique abilities and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will conduct an organized interview to collect as much information as is 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 doctor will then take into consideration all the information collected from various sources before determining an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the test you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact they have on your function in your daily life. You may be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well, for example, someone from your family, a partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they impact your work and relationships.
The expert will be able provide a full explanation of the outcome of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
private adhd assessment suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to conduct a private evaluation by a specialist doctor who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if you have other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medications.
After the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest a treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each patient, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD receive stimulant medications to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's natural chemical messages, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in regulating attention and movements. Many people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and help them manage time and manage their tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes, which can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining an diagnosis for ADHD in particular when they are part of minorities. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD is like. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be a challenge, particularly when your insurance doesn't cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities however, these strategies could lead to issues like anxiety and depression as well as the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private healthcare, but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will agree to a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to continue to pay for private medication and CBT therapy and even more costly specialist coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're thinking of working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by checking up their website, or contacting them to make sure that they have the expertise you require. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they are the ones who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may be more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.