How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private companies to provide them.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has caused some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only person who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit certain traits at times, people who suffer from ADHD tend to display them to a much more extensive degree than other people. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior may include making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD can be characterized by a lack of focus and avoiding deadlines, procrastination 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.
Many adults are hesitant to pursue a diagnosis. But, it is necessary in order to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD is required to go through a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This needs to be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their rank in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is in relation to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing to collect as much information on your symptoms as they can and how they impact your relationships and you and how long they last. They will also ask about the mental health history of your family members and examine your medical history. The specialist will then consider all the information gathered from a variety of sources and determine an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the examination, you will be required to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal their impact on how you perform in your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as they may present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - such as someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The expert will be able provide a full explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist doctor who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to tell you if you have other mental health issues that could explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking.
Once the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the brain's natural chemical messages like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can aid in improving their energy levels and concentration.
Some adults may be more difficult to get the diagnosis of ADHD, especially when they are part of an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas 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 assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take the financial aspects. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects their conditions have on their lives. They don't always realize the fact that their struggles in organising, planning and completing tasks cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these could lead to other problems like depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare but they aren't sure if their GPs will agree to an "shared care agreement" which would permit them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track of experience working with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking at their website or calling them to get more info ensure that they have the expertise you require. You can also inquire if they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they will be the one who will prescribe your medication if 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.