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 are desperate for answers and willing to pay book private adhd assessment companies for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has led to controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to go through a complete assessment with psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone has certain characteristics at times but those with ADHD tend to exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling anxious, and can also have issues with planning and organisation. Impulsive behaviour can i get a private adhd assessment include making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on tasks, procrastinating, missing 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 pursue a diagnosis. However, it's necessary in order to get the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to aid you in conquering these. Many of our patients tell us that after being diagnosed, their lives are changed for the better.
The assessment process involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you will need undergo 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 psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, when it comes to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to collect the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also inquire about the mental health history of your family members and look over your medical history. The doctor will then review all the information gathered from a variety of sources before determining an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily life. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from since they may have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with someone who knows you well - like someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is to get further confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships and work.
The specialist you meet with will be able to give you a detailed report outlining the results of your evaluation and what options are available for treatment, including an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will explain their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting an assessment. The first step is to have an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor private can also inform you if there are any other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medication.
Once the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's natural chemical messages, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in attention and movements. When the medication is used regularly, most people find their symptoms improve quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from diet changes that improve their energy levels.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD, especially those who belong to a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, private or to be not treated.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you do not have insurance. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their condition has on their lives. They often don't notice the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform below their potential. However, these can cause other issues, such as anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug addiction.
This story highlights the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many people to receive the treatment they require. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to paying for private treatment and CBT and even more costly specialist coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking at their website or by calling them to confirm that they have the expertise you need. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they are the ones who prescribes your medication in the event of need. Choose a doctor that 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, it is important to consider your own personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.