How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to provide them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has led to concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an experienced psychiatrist for a complete evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of medication. This is essential because a formal diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working, and to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally but those with ADHD often show these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, unable to sit still or feeling uneasy, and could also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on work that require attention, avoiding 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 hesitant about having an ADHD diagnosis, it's imperative to do so to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients report that after being diagnosed, their lives are changed to the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD you'll need to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as an expert.
A specialist will utilize structured interviews to gather as much information about your symptoms as is possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long they last. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily activities. You could be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles check here or timed activities. They will also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is in order to obtain more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the findings of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This could 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 treatment and will discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting an assessment. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist doctor who will confirm or deny a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms or whether they are caused by medications.
After the assessment 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. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance the brain's natural chemical messages such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in regulating attention and movements. When the medication is used frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially when they belong to the minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even denied treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. 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 impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function lower than their capabilities however, these strategies can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety as well as alcohol or drug abuse.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS treatment due to the 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 following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Always ensure that any health professional you are considering working with has a good track record of working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can do this by checking at their website or calling them to ensure that they have the experience you require. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication, if required. Find a doctor who has specialized 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 take into account your own personal preferences. For instance, some people prefer a psychiatrist who is their gender or culture. It is also possible to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with the kink client.