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 companies for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics provide unreliable health assessments. This has sparked controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only person who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for treatment. This is important because a formal diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working and to get access to NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three most common symptoms of ADHD. While everyone will show certain traits at times, people with ADHD are likely to show these to a greater extent than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, unable to stay still or feel uneasy, and could also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty keeping a focus 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 get an assessment. However, this is necessary in order to get the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to aid you in conquering these. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam and a detailed interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD is required to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is when it comes to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information on your symptoms as possible and how they impact you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and determine a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests, such as puzzles or timed exercises. They also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from, as they may have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who is familiar with you - such as an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships or work.
The person you speak to will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the results of your evaluation and the options available for treatment, such as a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist physician who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medications.
After the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest a treatment plan. Based on the specific needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's chemical signals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in attention and movements. The majority of people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can also include strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD can benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their energy levels.
private adhd assessment cost might have a harder time getting the diagnosis of ADHD in particular those who belong to an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially in the event that you do not have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. Additionally these clinics are more likely to take part in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who are able to offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize the fact that their struggles in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function at a level lower than their capabilities, but these can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for many people to get the treatment they require. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their physician will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to paying for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're thinking of working with has worked with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by checking up their website, or contacting them to confirm that they have the experience you require. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they will be the one who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. 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 should also take into account your own personal preferences. For instance, some people are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is of their gender or cultural. It is also possible to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with kink clients.
