How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has sparked concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for medication. This is especially important since an official diagnosis is required for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics on occasion, those with ADHD are likely to show these to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling uneasy, and could also have issues with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty in 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 an assessment. However, this is necessary in order to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand your symptoms, and find strategies and tools to help you overcome them. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The assessment process involves an examination of your symptoms and their impact on your life, and the completion of the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
You'll have to undergo a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you can be diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, in relation to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and examine your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety of sources and formulate a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment during the assessment, you will be required to take tests that are that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact they have on your perform in your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned as part of the assessment. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships or work.
The expert will be able give you a detailed account of the outcome of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting an assessment. The first step is to obtain a private assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medications.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review 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 are prescribed stimulants to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's natural chemical messages, such as norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This book private adhd assessment can include strategies that can reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people suffering from ADHD might benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD, especially those who belong to minorities. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to 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 consideration financial concerns. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training that can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their difficulties with planning, organizing and completing tasks can cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function below their capacity, but these can lead to problems like anxiety and depression as well as alcohol or drug abuse.
This article highlights the importance of seeking 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 there is no guarantee that their GP will agree to a 'shared care agreement' which will allow them to return to the NHS for follow up treatment following an official diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a good track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking on their website or calling them to confirm that they have the experience you require. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones to prescribe medication if needed. Look for a doctor who has completed specialized training for adults with 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. Some people may be more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.