How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private companies for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has sparked concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is especially important since a formal diagnosis is necessary for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these characteristics occasionally, those with ADHD tend to display these to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being restless. It may also include issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on work that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or having trouble 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 to seek an assessment. However, it's necessary in order to get the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming these. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test, and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
You'll need to go through a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, as it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as specialist.
A specialist 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've been suffering from them for. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information gathered from various sources and make an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the examination, you will be required to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal their impact on how you function in your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from as many of these can present similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - like an individual from your family, partner or a close friend. This is done to gather more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine how they impact your relationships or work.
The person you speak to will be able give you a thorough report that outlines the findings of your examination and the available options for treatment, such as the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty getting an assessment. The first step is to conduct a private examination by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor can also inform you if you have other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medication.
After the assessment the doctor will go over the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on the specific requirements of each patient, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that help to improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's chemical signals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in regulating attention and movements. Most people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies to reduce stress and help them manage time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to an ethnic minority. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or be not treated.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if you don't have insurance. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into account. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems with organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause issues at work or with relationships. private adhd assessment adults with high IQs are especially likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level below their capacity however, these strategies can lead to problems like anxiety and depression as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they require. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' which will allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean being required to pay for private medication and CBT therapy or even more expensive professional coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you're considering working with has a good track experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or calling them to ensure that they have the expertise you need. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they will be the one who prescribes your medication, if required. Find a doctor with special 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people might be more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with kink clients.