How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has caused concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit a psychiatrist for a full assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can give a formal diagnosis for medication. This is important because a formal diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain traits at times, those who have ADHD often show them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on tasks that require attention, avoiding 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.
While many adults feel apprehensive about getting an assessment, it is vital to seek one to receive the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients report that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The process of assessment involves an open discussion of your symptoms and their impact on your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam, and a detailed interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an extensive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. This must be performed by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A specialist will conduct a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also ask about the mental health history of your family members and look over your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from various sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the findings of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to get a private assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are any other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medications.
After the examination, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Based on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD receive stimulant medications to help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. private adhd assessment can include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining the diagnosis of ADHD, especially if they belong to minorities. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. These people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or even refused treatment.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially in the event that you don't have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take account finances. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to take part in a range of different insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who are able to offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects their conditions have on their lives. They don't always realize the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unaware of the impact of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these can cause other issues like depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug dependence.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that will allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can visit their website or contact them to confirm if they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is crucial, as they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if needed. Find a doctor with special 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 selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with the kink client.