How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has caused controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult a psychiatrist for a full assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed 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 treatment. This is essential because a formal diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to get access to NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone has certain traits on occasion however, those with ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be identified by a lack of focus, 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.
Many adults are hesitant to get a diagnosis. However, it's necessary in order to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. During your examination, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly skilled at helping you to feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD is required to go through an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be carried out by a healthcare professional who is a specialist in ADHD. This could be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their specific capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will conduct a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and the length of time you've been experiencing them for. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The doctor will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources before determining an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be required to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily functioning. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They'll also look at any more info other disorders you may have, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with someone who knows you well, such as someone from your family, a partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The expert you meet with will be able to give you a detailed report outlining the outcome of your assessment and what options are available to treat your condition, including a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is to conduct a private evaluation by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are related to the medication you're taking.
Once the test is complete the doctor will review your results and recommend a treatment plan. Based on the specific requirements of each person you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants to help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important role in attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability to manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can improve their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting the diagnosis of ADHD in particular those who belong to an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially in the event that you don't have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs may be 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 could lead to issues such as depression and anxiety or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some people pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who will prescribe medication when needed. Choose a doctor that 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people will be more comfortable with someone who is a member of their gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.