How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and will pay private providers to provide them with.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full examination with psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is crucial since a formal diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working and to get access to NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these characteristics at times, people with ADHD tend to display these traits to a greater extent than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, unable to stay still or feel uneasy, and could also be a problem with planning and organization. Insane behavior may include making rash decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD can be identified by difficulty in staying focused, procrastination, missing deadlines or an inability ability to think 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 get a diagnosis. However, it's important to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and their impact on your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel relaxed.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD you'll need to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing to collect as much information about your symptoms as they can and how they impact your relationships and you and how long. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and look over your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety of sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the test during the assessment, you will be required to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact of your symptoms on how you function in your daily life. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them may have symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well - such as a family member, partner or a friend. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships or work.
The specialist you meet with will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the options available for treatment, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay just the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to have an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms, or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
After the evaluation, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that help to improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could also include strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people with ADHD might also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining the diagnosis of ADHD particularly if they belong to minorities. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects their conditions have on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these can result in other problems, such as anxiety, depression or alcohol or drug addiction.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many to receive the treatment they need. Some pay for private health care but how much does it cost for a private adhd assessment aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This could mean having to continue paying for private treatment and CBT - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're thinking of working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is essential to select the best psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones who will prescribe 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 choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. For example, some people are more comfortable with an therapist who is their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with kink clients.