How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has sparked concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see a psychiatrist for a full evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone has some of these characteristics on occasion but those with ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive purchases without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks and putting off 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.
Although many adults are nervous about getting a diagnosis, it is imperative to do so to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you comprehend the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to help you overcome these. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are competent in helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo an extensive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by medical professionals who are an expert in ADHD. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as an expert.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing to gather as much information about your symptoms as is possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long they last. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety of sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be required to complete tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots as well as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from, as they may have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who is familiar with you - for example, a family member, partner or a close friend. This is in order to obtain more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine how they impact your relationships or work.
The expert you meet with will be able to give you a thorough report that outlines the findings of your examination and the options available to treat your condition, including an agreement to share care with your GP for medications (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will outline their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to have a private examination by a specialist doctor who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms or whether they are caused by medication.
Once the assessment is completed the doctor will review your results and recommend a treatment plan. Based on your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that help to improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the brain's natural chemical messages like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a significant role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability to manage time and manage their tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes that can help to improve their concentration and energy levels.
Certain adults might have a harder time getting an diagnosis for ADHD, especially those who belong to a minority group. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. These people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or be not treated.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. Additionally these clinics are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties in organising, planning and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to overlook the effects 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 alcohol or drug abuse.
This article highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they require. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no guarantee that their GP will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean being required to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive professional coaching services.
It is important to ensure whether any health professional you are considering working with has a positive track experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can do this by looking up their website, or calling them to ensure that they have the expertise you require. You can also inquire whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who prescribes your medication if needed. Look for a doctor who 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.
When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also be aware of your personal preferences. adhd private assessment might be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with kink clients.