How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them with.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are handing out inaccurate assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a thorough examination with psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed 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 particularly important as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
adhd assessment private cost of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics at times, people with ADHD will often demonstrate these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD can be identified by a lack of focus or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines or an inability ability 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 to pursue an assessment. But, it is important to receive the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The process of assessment involves an examination of your symptoms and their impact on your life, the completion of the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview. During your examination, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD you'll need undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by medical professionals who are an expert in ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, because it is their unique capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect the most information 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 history of mental health and look over 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 test during the assessment, you will be required to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess their impact on how you function in your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The specialist you meet with will be able to provide you a detailed report outlining the results of your evaluation and the available options for treatment, such as a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will explain their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to have an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that may explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking.
Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest a treatment plan. Based on the specific requirements of each patient you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that help to improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial part in regulating attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from a program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially when they belong to an ethnic minority. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept 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 of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks can lead to issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function below their capacity but they can cause problems such as anxiety and depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for a lot of people to access the treatment they require. Some people pay for private health care but are not guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement" which would permit them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
It is important to ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can check this by looking at their website or calling them to ensure that they have the experience you need. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is important to choose the best psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones who will prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor with special 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.
When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to be aware of your personal preferences. For example, some people are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is their gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.