How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics provide unreliable assessments. This has led to controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to go through a complete assessment by a psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis made 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 particularly important as an official diagnosis is required for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone has some of these characteristics occasionally, those who have ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling uneasy, and could also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD can be identified by difficulty in staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination 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 an assessment. However, this is essential to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives alter to 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. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
You'll need to go through a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing to gather as much information about your symptoms as they can, including how they affect your relationships and you, and for how long. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information collected from various sources and make an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the test, you will be required to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms as those 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 also to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The specialist will be able to provide you with a thorough explanation of the findings of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or denial a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor can also tell you if there are other mental here health conditions that might cause your symptoms or if they are caused by medications.
After the evaluation, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on the specific requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to alleviate their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the amount of brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability to manage time and manage their tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes that can aid in improving their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining the diagnosis of ADHD particularly when they are part of a minority group. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or to be refused treatment.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations isn't easy, especially in the event that you do not have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks lead to problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform below their potential. However, these may result in other problems, such as depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug addiction.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' which will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
It is important to ensure whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a good track of experience working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking up their website, or by calling them to confirm that they have the experience you need. You can also ask whether they've treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they are the ones who prescribes your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor with special 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.
When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also consider your own personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.