How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private companies for their services.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are handing out inaccurate assessments. This has sparked controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit a psychiatrist for a full evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have 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 medication. This is crucial because a valid diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits certain characteristics on occasion, those who have ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, unable to sit still or feeling anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on tasks, procrastinating, missing deadlines or having difficulty 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 getting a diagnosis, it is imperative to do so in order to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand the symptoms and provide ways and methods to conquer them. Many of our patients tell us that after being diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The assessment process involves a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. During your examination, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information about your symptoms as they can, including how they affect you and your relationships and how long. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then review all the information collected from various sources and make an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be required to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily functioning. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from since many of them can have similar symptoms as those associated with website ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned during the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the outcome of the evaluation, as well as 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 they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or denial a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to tell you if you have other mental health issues that may explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
Once the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each person you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's chemical signals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in regulating attention and movements. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could include strategies to lessen frustration and help them manage time and manage their tasks. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their energy levels and focus.
Some adults may have a harder time getting an diagnosis for ADHD in particular those who belong to a minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be refused treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into account finances. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function below their potential. However, these may cause other issues, such as depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol dependence.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they need. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that allows them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to to pay for private treatment and CBT and even more costly professional coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can visit their website or contact them to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they are the ones who prescribes your medication, if required. Choose a doctor that 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when choosing a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people may feel more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or culture. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.