How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them with.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics provide unreliable assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an experienced psychiatrist for a complete examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is crucial because a valid diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, including flexible working, and to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone has some of these characteristics occasionally but those with ADHD often show these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling uneasy, and could also be a problem with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can include reckless purchases without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD can be identified by a lack of focus or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines, or a lack of 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 a diagnosis. However, this is essential to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The assessment process will involve an interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. During your examination, our psychiatrists will have extensive experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.
Assessment
You will need to undergo an exhaustive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as an expert.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible, including how they affect your relationships with others and how long. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information collected from a variety of sources before determining an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process you will be asked to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily activities. You may be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests, such as puzzles or timed activities. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as they may present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - such as a family member, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine if they affect your work or relationships.
The expert will be able provide you with a thorough explanation of the results of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist doctor who will confirm or refuse a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that might cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking.
After the examination, more info your clinician will discuss the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this may involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD may also benefit from diet changes, which can improve their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly if they are from the minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or be denied treatment.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you do not have insurance. 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 residents and interns in training who are able to offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks cause difficulties 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 allow them to function at a level below their potential but they can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression as well as addiction to 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 to get the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their physician will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' which will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you are considering working with has a good track experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can check this by looking at their website or contacting them to confirm that they have the expertise you require. You can also ask whether they've dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they will be the one who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when choosing a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people may feel more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or culture. You might also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with kink clients.