How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving inaccurate assessments. This has sparked concern and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for medication. This is especially important since an official diagnosis is required for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also get access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these characteristics on occasion, those with ADHD will often demonstrate them to a much greater extent than others. Hyperactive behavior can include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD can be identified by difficulty 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.
Many adults are hesitant about having an ADHD diagnosis, it's imperative to do so to get the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering these. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and a detailed clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD you'll need to undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A doctor will conduct a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration the information gathered from various sources and determine a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests like more info puzzles or timed exercises. They'll also look at any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the assessment. This is done to gather more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships or work.
The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to get an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medication.
After the examination your doctor will review the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Based on the specific requirements of each patient you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that aid in reducing their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the amount of brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial part in regulating attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. These can include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and tasks. Some people with ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can aid in improving their energy levels and concentration.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly if they are from an ethnic minority. 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 a treatment because of this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be challenging, especially in the event that you do not have insurance. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. Additionally these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice the fact that their struggles in organizing, planning and completing tasks cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function below their capacity however, these strategies can cause problems like anxiety and depression as well as the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many people to get the treatment they require. Some pay for private healthcare but aren't guaranteed that their doctors will sign a "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
You should always check that any health professional you are considering working with has a good track record of working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm that they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because 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.
When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.