How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private companies for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has sparked some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult 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 person 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, including flexible working, and to be able to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these characteristics at times, people who suffer from ADHD tend to display these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to stay still or feel uneasy, and could also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences or rushing 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 reluctant to seek an assessment. However, this is important to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will help you overcome them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test and an in-depth clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD you'll need undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This must be conducted by medical professionals who are a specialist within ADHD. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals when it comes to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information on your symptoms as possible, including how they affect you and your relationships and how long. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety sources and formulate a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from, as many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they impact your work and relationships.
The person you speak to will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the available options to treat your condition, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay only the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will outline their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to have a private evaluation by a specialist doctor, who will confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are related to the medication you're taking.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review your results and recommend a treatment plan. Depending on your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.
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 manage time and manage their tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from diet changes that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to an ethnic minority. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. cost of private adhd assessment uk are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or even refused treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly in the event that your insurance does not cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take account finances. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training that can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects their conditions have on their lives. They are often unaware the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to be unaware of the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function at a level below their potential but they can cause problems such as depression and anxiety as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will agree to a 'shared care agreement' which will allow them to return to the NHS for follow up treatment following an official diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them being required paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own - or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're thinking of working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can visit their website or phone number to confirm that they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who will prescribe your 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.