How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and will pay private companies to provide them.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics provide unreliable health assessments. private adhd assessment adults has caused controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see a psychiatrist for a full evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for treatment. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone displays certain traits at times but those with ADHD typically exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying items without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on tasks that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or having difficulty 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 hesitant to seek an assessment. However, it's necessary in order to get the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients tell us that once they've been diagnosed, their lives change 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. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
You will need to undergo an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it is their specific capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information about your symptoms as possible as they can, including how they affect you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment you will be asked to take tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact they have on your function in your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed exercises. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - for example, an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine if they affect your work or relationships.
The specialist you meet with will be able give you a thorough report that outlines the findings of your examination and what options are available for treatment, including an agreement to share care with your GP for medications (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining an assessment. The first step is to get a private assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Based on your needs, this could involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that help to improve 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 effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and manage their tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can improve their energy levels and focus.
Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially in the case of a minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. They are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or even denied treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly when your insurance doesn't cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these can cause other issues like depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private health care but they aren't sure if their GPs will agree to a "shared care agreement" which would permit patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own and even more costly specialist coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're considering working with has worked with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or contacting them to make sure that they have the experience you need. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who will prescribe medication if needed. Choose a doctor that 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also consider your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.