How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and will pay private providers to give them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving inaccurate assessments. This has caused concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a full exam by psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is essential since a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to get access to NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone will show certain traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD are likely to show these to a greater extent than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It can also indicate problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive purchases without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on tasks that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or having difficulty 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 seek an assessment. However, it's essential to receive 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 strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients report that after being diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The assessment process consists of an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their rank in the pecking order of healthcare professionals as it comes down to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct a structured interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also ask about the mental health history of your family members and examine your medical history. The specialist will then consider all the information collected from a variety of sources before determining a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment during the assessment, you will be required to take tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact they have on your perform in your daily life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests like puzzles or timed activities. They will also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, such as a family member, partner or friend. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.
The person you speak to will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the options available to treat your condition, including an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you only pay the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will outline their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. The first step is to have a private evaluation by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms or if they are caused by medication.
After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Depending on your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's chemical signals, like norepinephrine and dopamine 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 therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies to lessen frustration and help them manage time and work. Some people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes, 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 in the case of the minority group. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. Furthermore they are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD are often unable to comprehend the impact their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems in organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these may cause other issues, such as depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol addiction.
This article highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" which would permit them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This can lead to them being required paying for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track record of working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can do this by looking on their website or calling them to make sure that they have the expertise you need. You can also ask whether they've treated comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is crucial, as they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if needed. Look for a doctor who has completed specialized training website 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, it is important to be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.