How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the lengthy 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 many private clinics provide inaccurate assessments. This has caused some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. private assessment for adhd uk is especially important since an official diagnosis is required to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to be able to access NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these traits at times, people with ADHD tend to display these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being agitated. It can also indicate problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on work and putting off 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 a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so in order to receive the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an in-depth interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD is required to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing to collect as much information about your symptoms as possible, including how they affect your relationships with others and how long. 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 review all the information collected from a variety of sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily activities. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also consider any other disorders you may have, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who knows you well, like someone from your family, a partner or a friend. This is to get further confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships or work.
The specialist will be able to provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome 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 go over their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is a private examination by a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are any other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms or whether they are caused by medications.
After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Based on your needs, this could involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice that their symptoms get better quickly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include practical strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Certain people with ADHD may benefit from dietary changes that improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly if they are from the minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. These people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or to be denied treatment.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially when you do not have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize that their difficulties in organising, planning and completing tasks can cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these could result in other problems like depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their GPs will agree to a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.
Always ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a good track of experience working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking on their website or calling them to make sure that they have the experience you require. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, as they will be the ones who prescribe medication if needed. Look for a doctor who 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. For example, some people prefer someone who is a member of their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients with kinks.