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 desperate for answers and willing to pay private companies for their services.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot 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 examination with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is especially important since the need for a formal diagnosis is essential in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these characteristics at times, people who suffer from ADHD will often demonstrate them to a much more extensive degree than other people. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It can also indicate issues with planning and organizing. Insane behavior may include making rash purchases without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentive 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 hesitant about having an assessment, it is imperative to do so to get the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you understand your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. During your assessment our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are highly adept at helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you will need to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also ask about the mental health history of your family members and review your medical history. The specialist will then consider all the information gathered from various sources and determine a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily functioning. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from, as many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well - for example, someone from your family, a partner or a friend. This is done to gather more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The expert will be able provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to get an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you're read more taking.
Once the assessment is completed the doctor will review the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that help to improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance the brain's natural chemical messages like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in attention and movements. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their concentration and energy levels.
Certain adults might be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD, especially those who belong to an ethnic minority. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. The people in these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly if you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects their condition has on their lives. They don't always realize that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these could lead to other problems like depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many to get the treatment they require. Some people pay for private health care but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" which would permit patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to paying for private treatment and CBT 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 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 best psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones who will prescribe medication if needed. Find 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people are more comfortable with an therapist who is a member of their gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with clients with kinks.