How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private companies to provide them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an experienced psychiatrist for a complete assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is crucial because a formal diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, and to be able to access NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three most common symptoms of ADHD. While everyone displays certain traits occasionally but those with ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being restless. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD can be identified by difficulty staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination, or a lack of ability to think 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 seeking a diagnosis, it is imperative to do so to get the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients report that once they've been diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.
The assessment process consists of an examination of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. This needs to be performed by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A specialist will use a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and how long you've been experiencing them for. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from various sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots as well as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from since they may have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the assessment. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships or work.
The expert you meet with will be able give you a detailed report outlining the findings of your examination and the options available to treat your condition, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic plan and any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting the diagnosis. The first step is to have an individual assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor will also inform you if you have other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms, or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each person, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important role in attention and movement. Once the medication is taken frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and help them manage time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely here to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be refused treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be difficult, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects their conditions have on their lives. They are often unaware that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these could result in other problems, such as anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol dependence.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many to receive the treatment they need. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their physician will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm that they have the expertise needed. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the best psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones who will prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor with specialized training on 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 choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, it is important to take into account your own personal preferences. For instance, some people will be more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.