How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private companies for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are providing unreliable 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 evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can give a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is important since a formal diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these characteristics at times, people with ADHD will often demonstrate these traits to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks, procrastinating, missing deadlines or having difficulty 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 seek an assessment. However, it's essential to receive the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering these. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and their impact on your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam and a detailed 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
You will need to undergo an exhaustive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals as it comes down to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will conduct a structured interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and look over your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety sources and make a diagnose in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the examination you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact they have on your function in your daily life. You could be asked to answer questions about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well more info - like someone from your family, a partner or friend. This is in order to obtain more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships and work.
The specialist 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 the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay just the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic plan as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to have a private evaluation by a specialist doctor who will confirm or deny a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medications.
After the assessment your doctor will review the results and suggest a plan of treatment. Depending on your needs, this may involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that help to improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key part in regulating attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and manage their tasks. Certain people with ADHD can benefit from dietary changes that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be not treated.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be difficult, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their conditions have on their lives. They often don't notice that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the impact of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these may lead to other problems, such as anxiety, depression or alcohol or drug addiction.
This story demonstrates the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will agree to a 'shared care agreement' which will allow them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own and even more costly professional coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can check this by looking up their website, or calling them to make sure that they have the experience you require. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is important to choose the best psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who will prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor with special 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some individuals will be more comfortable with an therapist who is their gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.