How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a large number of 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 caused concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for treatment. This is especially important since the need for a formal diagnosis is essential to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to get access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone has certain traits on occasion, those who have ADHD tend to exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, unable to stay still or feel anxious, and can also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless purchases without thinking about 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 get an assessment. However, it's important to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
You'll need to go through a thorough examination as an adult suffering from 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 psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals is when it comes to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will conduct an organized interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your the mental health history of your family as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety sources and make a diagnose in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the test during the assessment, you will be required to take tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also assess their impact on how you perform in your daily life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed exercises. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from since many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the assessment. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The person you speak to will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the available options for treatment, such as the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to have a private examination by a specialist physician who can confirm or denial a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor will also inform you if you have other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms or whether they are caused by medications.
Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. Based on your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD might benefit from dietary changes that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks can cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, private adhd assessment near me may result in other problems, such as depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug abuse.
This article highlights the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private healthcare but they aren't sure if their GPs will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement" which would permit patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This can lead to them having to continue to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own and even more costly specialist coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm that they have the expertise needed. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones who will prescribe medication when needed. Look for a doctor who 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some individuals are more comfortable with someone who is a member of their gender or culture. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with kink clients.