How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private companies for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has led to controversy and concern over the quality of care 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 provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is important because a formal diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working, and 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 are likely to show them to a much more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, inability to sit still or feeling uneasy, and could also be a problem with planning and organisation. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks and putting off 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 reluctant to seek a diagnosis. However, it's essential to receive the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will help you overcome these. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test, and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. In your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
You'll need to go through an exhaustive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals is when it comes to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
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 how long they last. They will also inquire about the mental health history of your family members and examine your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and formulate 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 measure your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily functioning. You could be asked to answer questions about your symptoms including memory, here inkblots and memory and other tests such as puzzles or timed activities. They also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from since many of them can have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
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 to treat your condition, including a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to conduct a private assessment by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are any other mental health conditions that could cause your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
After the assessment the doctor will go over the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Based on your needs, this may involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's natural chemical messages, like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in regulating attention and movements. Many people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly in the case of a minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially when you don't have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into account finances. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks can lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these can lead to other problems, such as depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug abuse.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. 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" which would permit them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them being required to pay for private medication and CBT therapy and even more costly professional 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 suffering from ADHD. You can check this by looking up their website, or calling them to make sure that they have the expertise you need. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they will be the one who prescribes your medication in the event of need. Look for a doctor who has completed specialized training for adults with 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 selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some individuals will be more comfortable with an therapist who is a member of their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.