How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the pressure of a sluggish 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 assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only person who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for the use of medication. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these traits at times, people who suffer from ADHD tend to display these traits to a greater extent than others. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing items without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be identified by difficulty staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination, or a lack of ability 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 reluctant to get a diagnosis. But, it is important to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The process of assessment involves 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 a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
You'll have to undergo an extensive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, as it is their unique capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing to gather as much information about your symptoms as they can and how they impact your relationships with others and how long. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the examination you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact of your symptoms on how you function in your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The expert will be able provide you with a thorough explanation of the findings of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is to have an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. more tips here will also be able to inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you are on.
After the assessment your doctor will review the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Depending on the requirements of each patient you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's natural chemical messages, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in regulating attention and movements. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and manage their tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from diet changes, which can help to improve their energy levels and focus.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from the minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or to be not treated.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially in the event that you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact their conditions have on their lives. They don't always realize that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks can cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these can cause other issues like depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol addiction.
This article highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for many to receive 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 will allow them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track record of working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones who prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor who has specialized 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 feel more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.