How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and will pay private providers to provide them with.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has led to controversy and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult a psychiatrist for a full evaluation 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 provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of medication. This is especially important since an official diagnosis is required to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone will show certain traits at times, people with ADHD tend to display these to a greater extent than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also have issues with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior may include making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD can be identified by a lack of focus or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines or an inability ability to think 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 having an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to receive the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms, and find strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming these. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo a thorough examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are 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 a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their rank in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals in relation to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use a structured interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your family mental health history as well. The doctor will then review all the information gathered from various sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also determine their impact on how you perform in your daily life. You could be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - website like someone from your family, a partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the results of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to get an assessment in private by a specialist physician who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medication.
Once the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on your needs, this could involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD receive stimulant medications to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the brain's natural chemical messages such as norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in regulating attention and movements. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from diet changes, which can improve their energy levels.
Some adults may be more difficult to get a diagnosis for ADHD particularly when they are part of minorities. 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 affordable treatment and evaluations isn't easy, especially in the event that you do not have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. Additionally these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their condition has on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unaware of the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level below their capacity but they could lead to issues like anxiety and depression, or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows them to go back to the NHS for follow up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you are considering working with has a solid track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also inquire whether they've dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the best psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones to 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, you must also consider your own personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.