How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private companies for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has led to debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an experienced psychiatrist for a complete examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is particularly important as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also get access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD tend to display them to a much more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactivity can manifest as the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD is characterized by difficulty staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination or an inability ability 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 reluctant to seek an assessment. But, it is necessary in order to get the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to help you overcome these. After being diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD, you will need to go through a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as an expert.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and the length of time you've been experiencing them for. They will also inquire about the mental health history of your family members and examine your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to complete tests designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily functioning. You could be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests such as puzzles or timed activities. They'll also take into consideration any other disorders you might have, since many of them may have symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - such as someone from your family, a partner or a friend. This is in order to obtain more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships or work.
The expert will be able give you a detailed account of the findings of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting the diagnosis. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or deny a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that could explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are related to the medications you're taking.
Once the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this may involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's chemical signals, like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and tasks. private adhd assessment uk suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can help to improve their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults might be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD in particular if they belong to a minority group. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. They are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or to be refused treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects their conditions have on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their problems with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform below their potential. However, these can result in other problems, such as anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol addiction.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private health care but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will agree to the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you're considering working with has a solid track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can do this by checking on their website or contacting them to confirm that they have the expertise you require. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the best psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who will prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor with specialized 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people will be more comfortable with an therapist who is their gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.