How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private companies for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are handing out unreliable health assessments. This has led to concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see a psychiatrist for a full evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is essential because a valid diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to get access to NHS medication.
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these characteristics at times, people who suffer from ADHD tend to display these traits to a greater extent than others. The signs of hyperactivity include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It could also be accompanied by problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on work and putting off deadlines, or finding it difficult 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 reluctant to seek an assessment. But, it is important to receive the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The assessment process will involve an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. During your examination our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are adept at helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
You'll have to undergo an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses are not able 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 specialist will use structured interviews to collect as much information about your symptoms as they can as they can, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then take into consideration the information gathered from a variety of sources before determining an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the examination during the assessment, you will be required to take tests that are that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact they have on your function in your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from, as many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is in order to obtain more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships and work.
The expert you meet with will be able to provide you a detailed report outlining the outcome of your assessment and the available options for treatment, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay just the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present 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 a private evaluation by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or refuse a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that could explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medications you're taking.
Once the test is complete the doctor will review the results with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that help to improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's natural chemical messages, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important private diagnosis adhd role in regulating attention and movements. Many people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This can also include practical strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from diet changes, which can aid in improving their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially in the case of an ethnic minority. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be challenging, especially if you don't have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their issues with planning, organizing and completing tasks can lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function below their potential. However, these could cause other issues like anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug addiction.
This adhd assessment edinburgh story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable here to access NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will agree to a 'shared care agreement' which will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to to pay for private medication and CBT therapy or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're working with has experience working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm if they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is important to choose psychiatrist adhd assessment the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones to prescribe medication if needed. 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 private adhd assessment uk your area.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you should also be aware of your personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.