How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them with.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has sparked controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult a psychiatrist for a full assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is crucial because a valid diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to access NHS medications.
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone has some of these characteristics on occasion, those who have ADHD often show these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to sit still or feeling restless, and may also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD can be identified by a lack of focus or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines 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 a diagnosis. However, it's important to receive the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to deal with them. After being diagnosed, private adhd assessment of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly competent in helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD you'll need undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will use a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you've been experiencing 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 consider the information gathered from a variety of sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment, you will be required to take tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. You may be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed activities. 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 family member, friend or partner will be questioned as part of the assessment. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships or work.
The specialist will be able to provide you with a thorough explanation of the findings of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is a private examination by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or deny a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on the specific requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial part in regulating attention and movement. Once the medication is taken frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and work. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from a minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even not treated.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments isn't easy, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. Furthermore they are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities, but these can cause problems such as anxiety and depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many people to get the treatment they require. Some pay for private healthcare, but they aren't sure if their GPs will agree to an "shared care agreement" which would permit them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own and even more costly professional coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can visit their website or call them to confirm they have the expertise needed. You can also ask whether they've treated comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor who has specialized training on 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 must also be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients with kinks.