How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and will pay private providers to provide them.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are handing out inaccurate assessments. This has caused some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to go through a complete exam with psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for treatment. This is particularly important as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone displays certain traits on occasion, those who have ADHD typically exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to stay still or feel anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be characterized by difficulty staying focused, procrastination, missing 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.
While many adults feel apprehensive about having a diagnosis, it is imperative to do so to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients say that once they've been diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The assessment process involves a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and an in-depth clinical interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are competent in helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
You'll need to go through a thorough examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, in relation to their particular abilities, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing techniques to gather as much information about your symptoms as they can, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long. They will also review your medical history and ask about your family mental health history as well. The doctor will then review all the information gathered from a variety of sources before determining an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the examination, you will be required to take tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you function in your daily life. private adhd assessment cost could be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests like 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 as those associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is to get further evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships and work.
The expert you meet with will be able give you a comprehensive report detailing the results of your evaluation and what options are available to treat your condition, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic plan as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to conduct a private assessment by a specialist physician who will confirm or deny a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are any other mental health conditions that could cause your symptoms or whether they are caused by medication.
After the evaluation, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Depending on your requirements, this could mean beginning psychotherapy or medication. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's chemical signals, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in attention and movements. Most people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include strategies that can reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD might benefit from dietary changes that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to the minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even not treated.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be difficult, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into account. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their conditions have on their lives. They often don't notice the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that allow them to function below their capacity however, these strategies could lead to issues like anxiety and depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but have 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 individual diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them being required paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own and even more costly professional coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track experience working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm they have the experience and expertise required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they are the ones who will prescribe your medication, if required. Find a doctor with 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.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you should also take into account your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with clients with kinks.