How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has caused some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is essential because a formal diagnosis will be required to access certain workplace protections, like flexible working, as well as to get access to NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these traits on occasion, those who suffer from ADHD will often demonstrate these traits to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, inability to sit still or feeling uneasy, and could also be a problem with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior may include making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on work that require attention, avoiding 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.
Although many adults are nervous about getting an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to aid you in conquering them. Many of our patients tell us that after being diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.
The assessment process consists of a discussion about your symptoms and their impact on your life, the taking of the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you will need undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This needs to be carried out by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their unique abilities and knowledge that define them as an expert.
A specialist will use structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information about your symptoms as is possible, including how they affect your relationships and you, and for how long. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and look over your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily functioning. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well - such as someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships or work.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the findings of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist physician who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are any other mental health conditions that might cause your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medication.
After the assessment the doctor will go over the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on your specific needs, this could involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that help to improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the amount of brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial part in regulating attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability manage time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD might also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from the minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. The people in these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly when you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their condition has on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties with planning, organising and completing tasks can cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities however, these strategies can cause problems like anxiety and depression, or here addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This article highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment following an official diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to paying for private medication and CBT therapy or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track of experience working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking at their website or calling them to ensure they have the knowledge you need. You can also inquire whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they will be the one who prescribes your medication if needed. Find a doctor who has 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 consider your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some individuals are more comfortable with someone who is a member of their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with kink clients.