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 inaccurate assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to go through a complete examination by psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is particularly important as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also be able to access NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these characteristics on occasion, those with ADHD will often demonstrate these traits to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being restless. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or having trouble to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
Although many adults are nervous about having a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so in order to receive the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients report that once they've been diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel relaxed.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. more info here must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, when it comes to their particular abilities, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviews to gather as much information about your symptoms as is possible, including how they affect you and your relationships, and for how long. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and formulate a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the examination, you will be required to take tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact they have on your perform in your daily life. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the assessment. This is to get further evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships and work.
The expert you meet with will be able to give you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the options available to treat your condition, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you only pay 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
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to conduct a private assessment by a specialist physician who can either confirm or denial a diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you are on.
Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Based on your needs, this could involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that help to improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's natural chemical messages, like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in attention and movements. Many people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability to manage time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting the diagnosis of ADHD in particular if they belong to minorities. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. These groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be challenging, especially when you don't have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take the financial aspects. 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 with ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these can cause other issues, such as anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol dependence.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private health care but aren't guaranteed that their doctors will sign a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to paying for private treatment and CBT - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm they have the experience and expertise required. You can also inquire whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they will be the one who will prescribe your medication, if required. Look for a doctor who has completed specialized training for adults with 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 think about your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may feel more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with clients with kinks.