How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private companies for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics provide unreliable health assessments. This has caused controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit a psychiatrist for a full examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official diagnosis for the use of medication. This is crucial since a formal diagnosis will be required to access certain workplace protections, like flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics at times but those with ADHD typically exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can involve making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on tasks that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or having difficulty to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
Although many adults are nervous about seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's vital to seek one to get the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms, and find strategies and tools to help you overcome these. Once diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to collect 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 background and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The specialist will then consider all the information collected from various sources before determining an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment, you will be required to take tests that are that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact of your symptoms on how you function in your daily life. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also consider any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is in order to obtain more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the findings of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. 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 as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or refuse a diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor will also be able to tell you if you have other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on the needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key role in attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, most people find their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes, which can help to improve their energy levels and concentration.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly in the case of a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD is like. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be challenging, especially if you don't have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact their conditions have on their lives. They don't realize that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function below their potential but they can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but they aren't sure if their GPs will agree to an "shared care agreement" that would allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you are considering working with has a solid track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can check this by looking at their website or contacting them to confirm they have the knowledge you need. You can also inquire if they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist more info with ADHD).
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they will be the one who will prescribe your medication, if required. Find a doctor with special 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.
When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to consider your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with the kink client.