How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private companies to provide them with.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full assessment by psychiatrist. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only person who can provide you with an official diagnosis for medication. This is crucial as a formal diagnosis is necessary in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone will show certain traits at times, people who suffer from ADHD are likely to show these traits to a greater extent than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD is characterized by difficulty staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination, or a lack of 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 hesitant about seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's vital to seek one to get the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief 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 once they've been diagnosed, their lives are changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel relaxed.
The Assessment
You'll have to undergo a thorough examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This must be conducted by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, when it comes to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviews to collect as much information on your symptoms as they can and how they impact your relationships with others and how long they last. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and examine your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration the information gathered from a variety of sources and make an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily activities. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since they may present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, like a family member, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the findings of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting an assessment. The first step is to obtain a private assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking.
Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each patient you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important role in attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability manage time and manage their tasks. Certain people with ADHD may benefit from dietary changes that improve their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a harder time getting the diagnosis of ADHD in particular when they are part of minorities. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even refused treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments isn't easy, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics which take into consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function at a level below their capacity, but these can lead to problems like anxiety and depression as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This article highlights the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no guarantee that their GP will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that allows them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving website an official diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're considering working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or contacting them to ensure 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, because they will be the ones who prescribe medication if necessary. 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.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. For instance, some individuals prefer a psychiatrist who is their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.