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 companies for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has caused concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an experienced psychiatrist for a complete evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can give a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is crucial since a formal diagnosis will be required to access certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to get access to NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these characteristics on occasion, those who suffer from ADHD are likely to show them to a much more extensive degree than other people. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also be a problem with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can include reckless purchases without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty 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 hesitant to pursue an assessment. However, this is important to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of an open discussion of your symptoms and their impact on your life, and the completion of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the pecking order of healthcare professionals in relation to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use a structured interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also inquire about the mental health history of your family members and examine your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information collected from various sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment you will be required to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily activities. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed activities. They will also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from, as many of these can present similar symptoms to 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 or relationships.
The specialist you meet with will be able give you a thorough report that outlines the findings of your examination and the available options for treatment, such as an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay only the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will go over their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to obtain a private assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are any other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms or if they are caused by medication.
After the evaluation your doctor will review the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Depending on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD receive stimulant medications to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key role in attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice that their symptoms get better quickly read more and efficiently.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can improve their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD particularly those who belong to an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially if you don't have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into the financial aspects. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function below their capacity but they could lead to issues like anxiety and depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many people to get the treatment they need. Some people pay for private healthcare, but they aren't sure if their GPs will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This could mean having to to pay for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're thinking of working with has worked with adults who have ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm they have the expertise needed. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some individuals will be more comfortable with someone who is a member of their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.