How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them with.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has led to some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to undergo a thorough assessment by psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is crucial as a formal diagnosis is necessary for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to be able to access NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these characteristics at times, people who suffer from ADHD will often demonstrate them to a much more severe degree than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling uneasy, and could also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior may include making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on tasks, procrastinating, missing 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 seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to get the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD is required to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing to collect as much information on your symptoms as is possible and how they impact your relationships with others and how long they last. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the test during the assessment, you will be required to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also reveal their impact on how you perform in your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as they may present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who knows you well - for example, a family member, partner or a friend. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships or work.
The expert you meet with will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the outcome of your assessment and what options are available for treatment, such as an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay only the NHS prescription cost). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your care and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist doctor, who can either confirm or denial a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking.
Once the test is complete, your clinician will discuss your results and recommend the best treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD take stimulant medication to help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This can also include practical strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from diet changes that improve their energy levels.
Certain adults might be more difficult to get a diagnosis for ADHD particularly when they are part of minorities. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. The people in these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function below their potential. However, these can cause other issues like anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug dependence.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many people to get the treatment they require. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will sign a'shared care agreement' that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them being required paying for private treatment and CBT or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a good track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm that they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is essential to select the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones to prescribe medication if needed. Choose a doctor that has completed 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 selecting private adhd assessment or psychiatrist, you must also take into account your own personal preferences. For instance, some people prefer a psychiatrist who is their gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.