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, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are providing unreliable assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough 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 one who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of medication. This is important because a valid diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, like flexible working, as well as to access NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three most common symptoms of ADHD. While everyone displays some of these characteristics on occasion, those who have ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling anxious, and can also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD can be characterized by difficulty staying focused 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 vital to seek one to get the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming these. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam, and an in-depth interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists will have extensive experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an exhaustive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their rank in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, as it comes down to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then review all the information gathered from a variety of sources and make an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the test you will be asked to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact they have on your function in your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them may have symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned during the assessment. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.
The expert will provide a full explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to have a private examination by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medications.
After the evaluation, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on the specific requirements of each patient, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that aid in reducing their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the amount of brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults read more with ADHD might benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include practical strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their energy levels and concentration.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from the minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be not treated.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially when you don't have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to difficulties at work or in 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 enable them to function at a level below their potential, but these can lead to problems like anxiety and depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to access NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that allows them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can check this by looking at their website or contacting them to make sure that they have the experience you require. You can also inquire whether they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they will be the one who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor with specialized training in 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 choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, it is important to be aware of your personal preferences. For example, some people prefer an therapist who is a member of their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with clients with kinks.