How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics provide unreliable health assessments. This has led to debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is important since a formal diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, like flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits certain traits occasionally, those who have ADHD often show them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on work and putting off deadlines, or having difficulty to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
Although many adults are nervous about getting an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients report that after being diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely competent in helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD you'll need to go through an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This needs to be carried out by medical professionals who are an expert in ADHD. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, as it is their specific skills and knowledge that defines them as specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing to gather as much information about your symptoms as is possible as they can, including how they affect you and your relationships, and for how long. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then review all the information collected from various sources before determining an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily life. You might be asked to answer questions about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed exercises. They'll also take into consideration any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those of 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 friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.
The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to obtain an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or deny 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 cause your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medication.
After the examination, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on your specific needs, this could involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, such as norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. Many people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their energy levels and focus.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to a minority group. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact their condition has on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function below their potential. However, these could lead to other problems like anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug addiction.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. private adhd assessment for private health care but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign an "shared care agreement" that would allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Always ensure that any health professional you are considering working with has a solid track experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can visit their website or phone number to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also inquire if they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the best psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones to prescribe medication if needed. Find 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people will be more comfortable with an therapist who is of their gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients with kinks.