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 in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are handing out unreliable health assessments. This has caused debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full examination with psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for the use of medication. This is important because a valid diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, and to access NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit certain traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD are likely to show them to a much more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior may include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by a lack of focus and avoiding deadlines, procrastination or an inability ability to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
While many adults feel apprehensive about seeking an assessment, it is imperative to do so in order to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve an interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely adept at helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
Assessment
You will need to undergo an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their rank in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, in relation to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information on your symptoms as they can, including how they affect your relationships and you, and for how long. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety sources and formulate a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily life. You may be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed exercises. They will also take into account any other conditions you might be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who knows you well - for example, an individual from your family, partner or a close friend. This is in order to obtain more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships and work.
The expert you meet with will be able give you a comprehensive report detailing the outcome of your assessment and the options available for treatment, including an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your care and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist doctor, who will confirm or denial a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also inform you if you have more info 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 a treatment plan. Based on your specific needs, this may involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that help to improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD may benefit from dietary changes that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting a diagnosis for ADHD particularly when they are part of minorities. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or be denied treatment.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be challenging, especially if you don't have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take finances into account. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their conditions have on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these could cause other issues like anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug addiction.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for many to get the treatment they require. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to continue paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own and even more costly specialist coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're thinking of working with has experience working with adults with ADHD. You can visit their website or phone number to confirm they have the experience and expertise required. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who will prescribe your medication, if required. 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.
When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also be aware of your personal preferences. For example, some people prefer a psychiatrist who is of their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with the kink client.