How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and will pay private providers to provide them.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are handing out unreliable health assessments. This has sparked some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit a psychiatrist for a full assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain traits on occasion, those with ADHD will often demonstrate them to a much more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive choices, purchasing items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty in staying focused, procrastination, missing 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 seeking a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so to get the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to deal with them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an extensive assessment as an adult with ADHD before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter what their rank in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, when it comes to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviews to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible as they can, including how they affect you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and look over your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information gathered from various sources and determine an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment, you will be required to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal their impact on how you function in your daily life. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned during the assessment. This is in order to obtain more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships and work.
The specialist will be able to provide a full explanation of the results of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to have an assessment in private by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor can also tell you if there are any other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms or whether they are caused by medications.
Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on your needs, this could involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the brain's natural chemical messages like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a significant role in attention and movements. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This can include practical strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and manage their tasks. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from diet changes that improve their energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting a diagnosis for ADHD, especially if they belong to an ethnic minority. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be not treated.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be challenging, especially in the event that you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
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 issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function below their capacity but they can cause problems such as depression and anxiety or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're considering working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also inquire if they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who prescribes your medication in the event of need. 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 the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may feel more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with someone check here who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with kink clients.