How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has led to concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis for medication. This is crucial 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).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally, those with ADHD will often demonstrate these to a greater extent than others. The signs of hyperactivity include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without considering the implications or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble keeping a focus on tasks that require attention, avoiding 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 hesitant about getting a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so to get the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to deal with them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves a discussion about your symptoms and their impact on your life, the taking of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly adept at helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. This needs to be performed by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is as it comes down to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information about your symptoms as is possible and how they impact you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information gathered from various sources and determine an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the test you will be asked to take tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily life. You could be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed exercises. They'll also take into consideration any other disorders you may have, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The expert you meet with will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and what options are available for treatment, including a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to get an assessment in private by a specialist physician who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are any other mental health conditions that could cause your symptoms or if they are caused by medications.
After the evaluation your doctor will review the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on the specific requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to ease their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the brain's natural chemical messages like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in regulating attention and movements. The majority of people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This can also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD may also benefit from diet changes, which can improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly if they are from an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. The people in these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments isn't easy, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their conditions have on their lives. They read more are often unaware that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these could cause other issues, such as depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug dependence.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private healthcare but they aren't sure if their doctors will sign a "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This could mean having to continue to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own - or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're thinking of working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking up their website, or contacting them to make sure that they have the experience you need. You can also ask whether they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor who has 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 must also consider your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.