How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to give them.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics are providing unreliable assessments. This has caused concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult a psychiatrist for a full examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have 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 essential because a valid diagnosis will be required to access certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits certain traits on occasion but those with ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling anxious, and can also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on tasks and putting off 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 seeking a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of a discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam, and a detailed interview. During your examination our psychiatrists will have extensive experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly competent in helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD, you will need undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This must be carried out by a healthcare professional who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information about your symptoms as is possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships with others and how long they last. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental health and review your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily functioning. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed exercises. They also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, such as an individual from your family, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine if they affect your work or relationships.
The expert will provide a full explanation of the results of self referral adhd assessment the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or deny a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor will also be able to tell you if you have other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you are on.
Once the test is complete the doctor will review the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. Depending on the needs of each individual you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that aid in reducing their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key role in attention and movement. Once the medication is taken frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability to manage time and manage their tasks. Some 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, especially those who belong to minorities. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations isn't easy, especially when you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects their condition has on their lives. They don't realize that their issues with planning, organizing and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities, but these can cause problems like anxiety and depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows 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 medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
It is important to ensure whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can do this by checking on their website or by calling them to make sure that they have the expertise you require. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones to prescribe medication if needed. Look for a doctor who 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. For instance, some individuals will be more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with kink clients.