How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics provide unreliable health assessments. This has sparked controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of medication. This is crucial since a formal diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these characteristics at times, people with ADHD will often demonstrate these traits to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to stay still or feel uneasy, and could also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus 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 reluctant to seek a diagnosis. But, it is essential to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients report that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.
The assessment process will involve an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
You'll need to go through an exhaustive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This needs to be performed by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it comes down to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A doctor will conduct a structured interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you've been experiencing them for. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The specialist will then consider all the information gathered from various sources before determining an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment, you will be required to take tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact of your symptoms on how you function in your daily life. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, and inkblots as well as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from, as they may have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is in order to obtain more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the outcome of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to get an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are related to the medication you're taking.
Once the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. Based on your specific requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that help to improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD might also benefit from diet changes that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults may be more difficult to get a diagnosis for ADHD particularly if they belong to an ethnic minority. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. These people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or even denied treatment.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you do not have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into account finances. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to read more understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these could cause other issues, such as depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug abuse.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will agree to a 'shared care agreement' which will allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to paying for private treatment and CBT or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can visit their website or phone number to confirm if they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they are the ones who will prescribe 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when choosing a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people might be more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or culture. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.