How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has led to controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a thorough exam with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is especially important since an official diagnosis is required in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone displays certain traits on occasion, those who have ADHD tend to exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactive behavior can include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It may also include issues with planning and organizing. Insane behavior may include making rash purchases without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD can be identified by a lack of focus, 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.
Many adults are reluctant to get an assessment. But, it is important to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will help you overcome these. Many of our patients tell us that after being diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an exhaustive evaluation 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 can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as specialist.
A specialist will conduct a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and how long you've been experiencing them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety sources and formulate a diagnosis according to 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 life. You might be asked to answer questions about your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - such as someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is in order to obtain more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.
The specialist will be able to provide you with a thorough explanation of the findings of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist doctor who will confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if you have other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medications.
After the evaluation your doctor will review the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Depending on your needs, this could involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to ease their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include strategies that can reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can improve their energy levels and focus.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to a minority group. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be a challenge, particularly when your insurance doesn't cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects their condition has on their lives. They often don't notice the fact that their struggles in organising, planning and completing tasks lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these could result in other problems like anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug dependence.
This article highlights the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are adhd assessment private waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many people to get the treatment they need. Some people pay for private health care but are not guaranteed that their GPs will agree to a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
It is important to ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track record of working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can visit their website or phone number to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they are the ones who will prescribe your medication, if required. 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also be aware of your personal preferences. For instance, some people are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.