How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has led to concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult a psychiatrist for a full assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for medication. This is crucial since a formal diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, like flexible working, and to be able to access NHS medication.
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone is likely to exhibit certain traits occasionally, those with ADHD will often demonstrate these to a greater extent than others. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to stay still or feel restless, and may also have issues with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive purchases without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on work that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or having trouble to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
Although many adults are nervous about having an ADHD diagnosis, it's imperative to do so in order to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of a discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
You'll have to undergo a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.
A specialist will use structured interviewing to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible and how they impact you and your relationships and how long. They will also review your medical background 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 a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to complete tests designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots as well as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also consider any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - like an individual from your family, partner or friend. This is to get further evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.
The expert you meet with will be able to provide you a comprehensive report detailing the results of your evaluation and what options are available for treatment, such as an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to get an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in 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 related to the medications you're taking.
Once the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss the results with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's natural chemical messages, like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could also include strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from diet changes, which can improve their energy levels and concentration.
Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from a minority group. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or to be denied treatment.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you don't have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans and have residents or interns in here training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks can lead to problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the impact of ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function below their potential but they can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety as well as the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private health care but they aren't sure if their GPs will agree to the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to continue to pay for private medication and CBT therapy and even more costly professional coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm if they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also inquire whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they will be the one who prescribes your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor with special training on 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 therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people prefer an therapist who is their gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.