How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving inaccurate assessments. This has caused concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
adhd private assessment
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a thorough assessment by a psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis for medication. This is crucial because a valid diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to get access to NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone displays certain characteristics on occasion, those who have ADHD tend to exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, unable to stay still or feel anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior may include making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms could include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks that require attention, avoiding 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.
Many adults are hesitant about getting an assessment, it is essential that you do so in order to receive the help 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 find strategies and tools to help you overcome them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam, and a detailed interview. During your assessment our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are competent in helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
You'll need to go through an extensive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are 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 nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.
A specialist will conduct a structured interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and the length of time you've been experiencing them for. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and determine a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be asked to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily activities. You might be asked to answer questions about 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 since many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who knows you well, for example, a family member, partner or a friend. This is in order to obtain more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships and work.
The specialist will be able to provide you with a thorough explanation of the results of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to obtain an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that could explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are related to the medication you are on.
After the assessment the doctor will go over the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Based on the specific requirements of each person you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to alleviate their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the amount of brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can aid in improving their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially in the case of a minority group. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be denied treatment.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you don't have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function below their capacity, but these can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for many to access the treatment they need. Some people pay for private healthcare, but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will agree to a "shared care agreement" which would permit them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them being required to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you're considering working with has a good track record of working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm that they have the experience and expertise required. You can also inquire whether they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones to prescribe medication if necessary. 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. For example, some people are more comfortable with someone who is their gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.