How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to give them with.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has caused controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult a psychiatrist for a full evaluation 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 since a formal diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medication.
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone has some of these characteristics on occasion, those who have ADHD tend to exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, inability to sit still or feeling anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can involve making reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on work, procrastinating, missing deadlines or finding it difficult 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 reluctant to seek an assessment. However, this is essential to receive the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may 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 help you overcome them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of an examination of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are highly adept at helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD is required to go through an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This must be carried out 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 does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it is their specific skills and knowledge that defines them as specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing techniques to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and look over your medical history. The doctor will then review all the information gathered from various sources before determining an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to complete tests designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily functioning. You could be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed activities. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you more info might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine how they impact your relationships or work.
The specialist you meet with will be able give you a detailed report outlining the findings of your examination and the available options for treatment, such as an agreement to share care with your GP for medications (where you pay only the NHS prescription charge). The specialist will present their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to have a private examination by a specialist physician who can confirm or denial a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medications.
After the examination the doctor will go over the results and suggest a plan of treatment. Based on the specific needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD take stimulant medication to ease their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in attention and movement. When the medication is used frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include practical strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD particularly when they are part of an ethnic minority. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be difficult, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training that can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to comprehend the impact their conditions have on their lives. They are often unaware the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to not understand the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function at a level below their capacity, but these can lead to problems like anxiety and depression as well as the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they need. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no guarantee that their GP will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're working with has worked with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by checking up their website, or contacting them to make sure they have the knowledge you need. You can also inquire whether they've treated comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication, if required. Find a doctor who has 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.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.