How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private companies for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has led to controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an experienced psychiatrist for a complete evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is important because a formal diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to be able to access NHS medication.
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally, those with ADHD will often demonstrate these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty in staying focused, procrastination, missing 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 help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. During your examination our psychiatrists have years of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
You'll need to go through an extensive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their specific skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.
A specialist will use an organized interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and the length of time you've been experiencing them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and make a diagnose in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily activities. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed activities. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from, as they may present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well - like someone from your family, a partner or friend. This is done to gather more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships or work.
The person you speak to will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the available options to treat your condition, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay just the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic plan as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to get a private assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms or whether they are caused by medications.
Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest a treatment plan. Based on your needs, this could involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can aid in improving their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to the minority group. here This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. These people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or be refused treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to be unaware of the impact of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function below their capacity however, these strategies can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many to receive the treatment they require. Some people pay for private healthcare, but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them being required to pay for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track of experience working with adults with ADHD. You can look up 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 that coexist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor with 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to consider your own personal preferences. For instance, some people are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is of their gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.