How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in many patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private companies 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 concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is especially important since an official diagnosis is required in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics at times however, those with ADHD often show these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organizing. Insane behavior may include making rash decisions, buying items without considering the implications or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on tasks and putting off 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 reluctant to pursue a diagnosis. However, this is important to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing 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 comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD is required to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This must be performed by a healthcare professional who is a specialist within ADHD. This could be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their rank in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, in relation to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that make them a specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible and how they impact your relationships with others, and for how long. They will also go over your medical history and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The specialist will then consider all the information gathered from a variety of sources and make an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be required to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily activities. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots as well as puzzles or timed tasks. They also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from as they may have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with someone who knows you well - such as an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.
The specialist you meet with will be able give you a detailed report outlining the findings of your examination and what options are available for treatment, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your care and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to have a private evaluation by a specialist doctor, who can either confirm or denial a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that could explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medications you're taking.
Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. Depending on your requirements, this could mean starting medication or psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. These can include strategies that reduce frustration and help them manage time and manage their tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes, which can aid in improving their concentration and energy levels.
Certain adults might be more difficult to get a diagnosis for ADHD particularly those who belong to minorities. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. These people private assessment for adhd cost are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or be denied treatment.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you do not have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who are able to offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their conditions have on their lives. They aren't aware that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function below their potential but they can cause problems such as depression and anxiety or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that will allow them to return to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you are considering working with has a solid track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can check their website or phone number to confirm they have the expertise needed. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the best psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones who prescribe medication if necessary. Choose a doctor that has completed 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also take into account your own personal preferences. For example, some people will be more comfortable with an therapist who is a member of their gender or culture. It is also possible to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with kink clients.