How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has led to controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a thorough examination by a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is especially important since a formal diagnosis is necessary for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits certain traits at times, people with ADHD will often demonstrate them to a much more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, inability to remain still, or feeling uneasy, and could also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks and putting off deadlines, or finding it difficult to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
While many adults feel apprehensive about getting an assessment, it is vital to seek one to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The process of assessment will include an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD you'll need undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist within ADHD. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, as it is their unique skills and knowledge that defines them as specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible as they can, including how they affect you and your relationships and how long. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and look over your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from various sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment, you will be required to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact they have on your function in your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from since many of them can have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is in order to obtain more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships and work.
The expert will be able provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. The first step is to have an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
After the evaluation is completed your doctor will then discuss your results and recommend a treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each patient, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance the brain's natural chemical messages like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in regulating attention and movements. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. It can also include practical strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and assignments. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can aid in improving their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting the diagnosis of ADHD particularly if they belong to minorities. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or be not treated.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments isn't easy, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact their conditions have on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unaware of the impact of ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function at a level below their potential but they can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' that will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're thinking of working with has experience working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or calling them to make sure they have the knowledge you require. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones to 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. For instance, some individuals prefer someone who is a member of their gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or how much does it cost for a private adhd assessment has experience with the kink client.