How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics provide unreliable health assessments. This has caused controversy and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult a psychiatrist for a full evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is essential since a formal diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working and to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone will show certain traits on occasion, those with ADHD tend to display these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behavior can include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It could also be accompanied by problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD can be characterized by difficulty in staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines, or a lack of ability to think 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 having an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to get the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and 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 process of assessment involves an examination of your symptoms and their impact on your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. During your examination our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD is required to undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will use a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from various sources and make a diagnose according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be required to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily activities. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests, such as puzzles or timed activities. They also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from as many of these can present similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - like a family member, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The specialist you meet with will be able give you a thorough report that outlines the results of your evaluation and the options available to treat your condition, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is to have a private evaluation by a specialist doctor who will confirm or denial 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 could be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are due to medication you are on.
After the evaluation your doctor will review the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on your specific requirements, this could mean beginning psychotherapy or medication. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's chemical signals, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability manage time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary modifications, which can aid in improving their concentration and energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly in the case of the minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly when your insurance doesn't cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into account finances. Additionally 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 guidance.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize the fact that their struggles in organising, planning and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unaware of the impact of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function below their capacity however, these strategies can cause problems such as depression and anxiety, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story demonstrates the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many to get the treatment they require. Some pay for private health care but they aren't sure if their doctors will sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to paying for private treatment and CBT and even more costly specialist coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has experience working with adults here who have ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm that they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they will be the one who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. Look for a doctor who has completed specialized training for adults with 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 be aware of your personal preferences. For instance, some people prefer someone who is of their gender or cultural. It is also possible to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with kink clients.