How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and will pay private providers to give them with.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has led to controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a full examination by psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for treatment. This is crucial because a valid diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to get access to NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these traits occasionally, those with ADHD are likely to show them to a much greater extent than others. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making decisions that are reckless, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD is characterized by difficulty in staying focused, procrastination, missing deadlines or an inability ability to think ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
While many adults feel apprehensive about seeking a diagnosis, it is imperative to do so to receive the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you comprehend the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering these. Once diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, 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 skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
You will need to undergo an exhaustive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by a healthcare professional who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as an expert.
A specialist will use a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from various sources and determine a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the test, you will be required to take tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with someone who knows you well, for example, a family member, partner or a friend. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of 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 findings of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (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 an assessment. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if you have other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medications.
Once the test is complete the doctor will review your results and recommend a treatment plan. Based on your specific requirements, this could mean starting medication or psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's chemical signals, like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in attention and movements. When the medication is used frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD might also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining an diagnosis for ADHD, especially if they belong to minorities. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially if you don't have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. Additionally they are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks lead to 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 strategies that enable them to function at a level below their potential however, these strategies can lead to problems like anxiety and depression as well as alcohol or drug abuse.
This story emphasizes 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 receive the treatment they require. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that will allow them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following an official diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you are considering working with has a positive track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm that they have the experience and expertise required. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who will check here prescribe medication if necessary. Choose a doctor that 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people might be more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with kink clients.