How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the lengthy 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 some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has caused controversy and concerns about 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 one who can give a formal diagnosis for medication. This is essential because a valid diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to access NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone will show some of these characteristics at times, people with ADHD tend to display these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling uneasy, and could also have issues with planning and organisation. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD can be identified by difficulty staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines, or a lack of ability to think 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 a diagnosis. However, it's essential to receive the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives are changed for the better.
The process of assessment involves an examination of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam, and a detailed interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are competent in helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
You'll need to go through an exhaustive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by an expert in healthcare who is an expert in ADHD. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, as it is their particular capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
private adhd assessment cost will employ structured interviewing to collect as much information on your symptoms as is possible and how they impact you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also ask about the mental health history of your family members and look over your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources and make a diagnose in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily functioning. You might be asked to complete questionnaires regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed exercises. They will also consider any other disorders you may have, as they may present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships or work.
The specialist you meet with will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and what options are available to treat your condition, including an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will go over their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to conduct a private examination by a specialist doctor who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms or if they are caused by medication.
After the evaluation, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people with ADHD may benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a harder time getting a diagnosis for ADHD, especially those who belong to a minority group. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially if you don't have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact their conditions have on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their issues with planning, organizing and completing tasks can cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function below their potential. However, these can cause other issues, such as depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to continue paying for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
You should always check that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can do this by looking on their website or calling them to make sure that they have the experience you require. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is essential to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, because they will be the ones who will prescribe medication when needed. Look for 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.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you must also be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.