How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving inaccurate assessments. This has led to controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a full assessment by psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only person who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is especially important since a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain 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 most common symptoms of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics at times, people with ADHD will often demonstrate these to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behavior can include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may 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 hesitant to get a diagnosis. But, it is necessary in order to get the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients report that after being diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The assessment process involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam and an in-depth interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo a thorough examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as an expert.
A specialist will utilize 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 go over your medical history and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily functioning. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them can present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who is familiar with you - like a family member, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The specialist will be able to provide a full explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to conduct a private assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medications.
Once the test is complete, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this could involve starting medication or psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key role in attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies that reduce frustration and help them manage time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD might also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults may be more difficult to get the diagnosis of ADHD particularly when they are part of a minority group. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. The people in these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly if you do not have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into account finances. 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 comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems in organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to be unaware of the impact of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these can result in other problems like anxiety, depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private health care but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will agree to a "shared care agreement" which would permit them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to to pay for private treatment and CBT and even more costly specialist coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking on their website or by calling them to ensure that they have the expertise you need. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is crucial to select book private adhd assessment the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones to prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor who has 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when choosing a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people may feel more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.