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 patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private companies to provide them.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are handing out unreliable health assessments. This has led to some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a full exam with a psychiatrist. 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 for treatment. This is crucial as a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays some of these characteristics at times, those who have ADHD often show these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being agitated. It can also indicate problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can involve making decisions that are reckless, buying items without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD can be identified by difficulty staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines or an inability 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 hesitant to pursue a diagnosis. But, it is essential 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 the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an examination of your symptoms and their impact on your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD you'll need to go through an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This could be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the pecking order of healthcare professionals when it comes to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use a structured interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, 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 a variety of sources before determining an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment you will be asked to take tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact of your symptoms on how you function in your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from, as they may have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is done to gather more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The specialist you meet with will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the available options for treatment, such as a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will go over their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to obtain an individual assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are related to the medication you're taking.
After the evaluation your doctor will review the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on the specific requirements of each patient you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase 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 frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability manage time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD may benefit from dietary changes that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially in the case of the minority group. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or even refused treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments isn't easy, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into account finances. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns in training that can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware that their issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these may cause other issues like anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol dependence.
This story highlights the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for many to get the treatment they need. Some pay for private health care but they aren't sure if their doctors will sign a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them being required to pay for private medication and CBT therapy and even more costly professional coaching services.
You should always check that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track experience working with adults with ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm that they have the experience and expertise required. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones who prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor with specialized training in adult ADHD. You can do this by here 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 consider your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. You may also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with clients with kinks.