How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in many patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private companies for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has sparked concern 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. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is crucial since a formal diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working and to access NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally, those who have ADHD tend to exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It can also indicate problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD can be characterized by difficulty in staying focused, procrastination, missing deadlines 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.
While many adults feel apprehensive about seeking a diagnosis, it is vital to seek one in order to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to help you overcome them. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test, and a detailed clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
You will need to undergo a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. This needs to be carried out 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 what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, when it comes to their specific capabilities, experience, and knowledge that make them a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships with others and how long. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information collected from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily functioning. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests like puzzles or timed exercises. They will also consider any other disorders you might have, since they may present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is done to gather more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships and work.
The specialist will be able to provide a full explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting the diagnosis. The first step is to have an assessment in private by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that might be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are due to medication you are on.
After the examination, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Depending on your needs, this could involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a significant role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that can reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from diet changes, which can improve their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially when they belong to an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be not treated.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly when you do not have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function at a level below their potential but they can lead to problems like anxiety and depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care 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 doctors will sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to return back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track record of working with adults who website suffer from ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or contacting them to confirm that they have the experience you need. You can also inquire if they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if needed. 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people may feel more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.