How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has sparked controversy and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a thorough exam with psychiatrist. Although some people have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only person who can give you an official diagnosis for medication. This is important because a valid diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to access NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain traits on occasion, those who suffer from ADHD will often demonstrate them to a much more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being restless. It can also indicate problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty in 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.
Many adults are reluctant to pursue an assessment. But, it is necessary in order to get the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming these. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives are changed to the better.
The assessment process involves an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test, and an in-depth clinical interview. During your assessment our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly skilled at helping you to feel comfortable and at ease.
Assessment
You'll need to go through a thorough evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be carried out by a healthcare professional who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter how high their position in the pecking order of healthcare professionals in relation to their particular abilities, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviews to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible and how they impact your relationships and you, and for how long. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and review your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment during the assessment, you will be required to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned as part of the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they impact your work and relationships.
The person you speak to will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the options available for treatment, such as a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting an assessment. The first step is to have a private examination by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that could cause your symptoms or whether they are caused by medication.
After the assessment the doctor will go over the results and suggest a plan of treatment. Based on the needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can also include practical strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people with ADHD might also benefit from diet changes that improve their energy levels.
Certain adults might be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD, especially those who belong to minorities. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take 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 suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their condition has on their lives. They are often unaware the fact that their struggles in organising, planning and completing tasks lead to problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to perform below their potential. However, these may result in other problems like anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug addiction.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that will allow them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track record of working with read more adults with ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Selecting 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 with 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. 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 someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with kink clients.