How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has sparked concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see a psychiatrist for a full evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only one who can provide you with an official diagnosis for the use of medication. This is crucial as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays some of these characteristics at times however, those with ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive choices, purchasing items without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD is characterized by difficulty staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination, 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 getting a diagnosis, it is vital to seek one to receive the assistance 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 find strategies and tools to overcome them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking 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 able to make you feel relaxed.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo an exhaustive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then consider all the information collected from a variety of sources and determine an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the test, you will be required to take tests that are that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact they have on your function in your daily life. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned during the assessment. This is in order to obtain more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships and work.
The person you speak to will be able to give you a detailed report outlining the outcome of your assessment and the options available for treatment, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay only the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will explain their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. The first step is to have a private examination by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medication.
After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that aid in reducing their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the brain's natural chemical messages like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a therapy program that focuses 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 dietary changes that can help to improve their energy levels and focus.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to the minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. They are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or even denied treatment.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be challenging, especially when you do not have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take consideration financial concerns. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have interns and residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their issues with planning, organizing and completing tasks can cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these can result in other problems, such as anxiety, depression or alcohol or drug addiction.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment, adhd private assessment which makes it difficult for a lot of people to get the treatment they need. Some people pay for private healthcare, but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" that would allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This could mean being required paying for private medication and CBT therapy or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you are considering working with has a solid track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm that they have the experience and expertise required. You can also ask whether they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the best psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones who will prescribe medication when needed. 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 consider your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. For instance, some individuals will be more comfortable with an therapist who is their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.