How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in many patients because of the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to give them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has caused concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination 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 a formally recognised diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to be able to access NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone has certain traits on occasion but those with ADHD tend to exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty in staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination or an inability ability 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 important to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering these. Once diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. In your assessment our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are competent in helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
You'll need to go through an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it is their unique capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as an expert.
A specialist will conduct an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and the length of time you've been experiencing them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then review the information gathered from various sources and determine an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment during the assessment, you will be required to take tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. You may be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed exercises. They will also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from as they may have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who knows you well - for example, someone from your family, a partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they affect your work or relationships.
The expert will be able provide a full explanation of the outcome of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic plan as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is a private examination by a specialist physician who can either confirm or refuse a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor will also inform you if there are any other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medications.
After the evaluation is completed your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's chemical signals, like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice that their symptoms get better quickly and efficiently.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. It can also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD might benefit from dietary changes that can boost here their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining an diagnosis for ADHD particularly when they are part of a minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be refused treatment.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly when you do not have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems in organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these can lead to other problems like depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug addiction.
This story demonstrates the need to seek an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" which would permit them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean being required paying for private treatment and CBT and even more costly specialist coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're thinking of working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking on their website or calling them to make sure that they have the expertise you require. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is important to choose the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones who prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor who has completed 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with clients with kinks.