How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are providing unreliable assessments. This has led to concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation 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 as a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone exhibits certain traits at times however, those with ADHD tend to exhibit them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on tasks that require attention, avoiding 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 hesitant about getting an assessment, it is imperative to do so to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may 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 have been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The assessment process will involve an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel relaxed.
The Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD, you will need undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as specialist.
private psychiatrist adhd assessment will use structured interviewing techniques to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible and how they impact your relationships with others and how long they last. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment you will be required to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily activities. You could be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests like puzzles or timed tasks. They will also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the findings of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic plan and any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting a diagnosis. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist doctor, who will confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that might be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medications you're taking.
After the examination your doctor will review the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Depending on the needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that help to improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's natural chemical messages, like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a significant role in the development of attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include practical strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Certain people with ADHD can benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their energy levels.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining the diagnosis of ADHD particularly those who belong to minorities. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. The people in these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be challenging, especially if you do not have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems with organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function below their potential but they can cause problems such as depression and anxiety, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story demonstrates the need to seek an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for many to receive the treatment they require. Some pay for private healthcare, but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will agree to the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you are considering working with has a good track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or calling them to make sure that they have the expertise you need. You can also inquire if they have 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 if needed. 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 selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. For example, some people will be more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with kink clients.