How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and will pay private providers to give them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has sparked controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full examination with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone displays certain traits on occasion but those with ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It may also include issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD can be characterized by a lack of focus and avoiding deadlines, procrastination 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 seek a diagnosis. However, it's necessary in order to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to deal with them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
adhd assessment private cost consists of an examination of your symptoms and how they affect your life, and the completion of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are adept at helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo a thorough evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. The assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships and how long you've been experiencing them for. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety of sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the test you will be asked to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is in order to obtain more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The expert will provide a full explanation of the outcome of 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 specialist will discuss 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 conduct a private examination by a specialist doctor who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if you have other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss your results and recommend a treatment plan. Based on the specific requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's chemical signals, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be denied treatment.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into the financial aspects. Additionally these clinics are more likely to take part in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact their condition has on their lives. They don't always realize that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these can result in other problems like anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol addiction.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to get the treatment they require. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you're considering working with has a good track of experience working with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking up their website, or by calling them to make sure they have the knowledge you need. You can also inquire if they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they will be the one who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. Choose a doctor that 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.