How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in many patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are providing unreliable assessments. This has sparked concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only one who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for the use of medication. This is crucial as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone displays certain traits at times but those with ADHD tend to exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, inability to remain still, or feeling uneasy, and could also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive purchases without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on tasks, 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 a diagnosis. However, it's important to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, many 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, and the completion of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an extensive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This needs to be performed by medical professionals who are an expert in ADHD. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their specific abilities and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships and how long you have been suffering from them for. 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 take into consideration all the information collected from various sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as puzzles or timed tasks. They also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from as they may have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who knows you well - for example, a family member, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The expert you meet with will be able give you a comprehensive report detailing the results of your evaluation and the available options for treatment, such as the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is to get an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. private adhd assessments will also be able to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you are on.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review the results and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on your specific needs, this could involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's natural chemical messages, like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in regulating attention and movements. Most people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and help them manage time and manage their tasks. Some people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can help to improve their energy levels and focus.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly if they are from a minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even denied treatment.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations isn't easy, especially if you do not have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. Additionally these clinics are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their difficulties with planning, organizing and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these can lead to other problems like depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug addiction.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare but they aren't sure if their GPs will agree to an "shared care agreement" that will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking up their website, or by calling them to ensure that they have the expertise you require. You can also inquire whether they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they are the ones who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. 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 a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people may be more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.