How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private companies for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has caused concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit a psychiatrist for a full assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for treatment. This is especially important since the need for a formal diagnosis is essential to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone has certain traits occasionally but those with ADHD tend to exhibit them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, inability to sit still or feeling anxious, and can also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on tasks 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 to get an assessment. However, it's necessary in order to get the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will help you overcome these. After being diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test and an extensive clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
You will need to undergo a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. This must be conducted by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals when it comes to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that make them a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing to collect as much information on your symptoms as is possible, including how they affect your relationships with others and how long. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then consider all the information gathered from a variety of sources and determine an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment during the assessment, you will be required to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you function in your daily life. You might be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other disorders you might have, since many of them can present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is to get further confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The specialist will be able to provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic plan as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting a diagnosis. The first step is to have a private examination by a specialist physician who can either confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health issues that may explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medications you're taking.
After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each patient you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key role in attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to reduce stress and help them manage time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can help to improve their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults might be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD, especially when they are part of minorities. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be refused treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into the financial aspects. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities but they could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
This article highlights the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will sign a'shared care agreement' that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them being required paying for private medication and CBT therapy or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Always ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with here has a positive track experience working with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking up their website, or calling them to make sure they have the knowledge you need. You can also inquire whether they've treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones to prescribe medication when needed. 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.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. For instance, some people will be more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.