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 willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has led to debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis made 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 essential since a formal diagnosis will be required to access certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD will often demonstrate them to a much more severe degree than others. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, inability to sit still or feeling uneasy, and could also have issues with planning and organization. Insane behavior may include making rash decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks, procrastinating, missing deadlines or having trouble 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 getting a diagnosis, it is imperative to do so in order to receive the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve 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. During your examination, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely adept at helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD is required undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This must be carried out by medical professionals who are a specialist in ADHD. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is as it comes down to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The doctor will then review all the information collected from various sources before determining an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily functioning. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them more info may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who knows you well, for example, someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships or work.
The person you speak to will be able give you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the available options to treat your condition, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay just the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will explain their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting an assessment. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist physician who will confirm or denial a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. Based on the specific requirements of each person you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. Once the medication is taken frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability to manage time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their concentration and energy levels.
Certain adults might be more difficult to get the diagnosis of ADHD in particular if they belong to a minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even refused treatment.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly if you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their conditions have on their lives. They don't realize that their problems in organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause 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 strategies for coping that allow them to function at a level below their capacity, but these could lead to issues such as depression and anxiety or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This article highlights the need to seek an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private healthcare but are not guaranteed that their GPs will agree to the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a solid track record of working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can do this by checking on their website or by calling them to make sure that they have the expertise you require. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor who has completed specialized training for adults with 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 be aware of your personal preferences. For example, some people are more comfortable with an therapist who is their gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.