How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are providing unreliable assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an experienced psychiatrist for a complete examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for the use of medication. This is crucial because a valid diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, like flexible working, and to access NHS medication.
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone displays some of these characteristics at times, those who have ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can involve making decisions that are reckless, buying items without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD is characterized by difficulty staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination 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.
Although many adults are nervous about getting an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to receive the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives are changed to the better.
The assessment process consists of an examination of your symptoms and their impact on your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are adept at helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you will need to go through an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, when it comes to their specific capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships and the length of time 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 collected from various sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the examination, you will be required to take tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal their impact on how you function in your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is done to gather more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships or work.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the outcome of the evaluation, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is here appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also adhd private diagnosis uk be able determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking.
Once the assessment is completed the doctor will review the results with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the specific needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people cheapest adhd assessment uk with ADHD take stimulant medication to ease their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the brain's natural chemical messages such as norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and help them manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their concentration and energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to the minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or be refused treatment.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you don't have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into account finances. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to comprehend the effects their condition has on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities, but these can lead to problems such as 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 people pay for private healthcare but are not guaranteed that their GPs cost of private adhd assessment will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" that would allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them being required paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own and even more costly professional coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're thinking of working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can look up their website or call them to confirm they have the experience and expertise required. You can also ask whether they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication, if required. Find a doctor with specialized training on 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people will be more comfortable with someone who is of their gender or culture. You private adhd assessment liverpool may also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with kink clients.