How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and will pay private companies to provide them with.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has caused some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get 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 treatment. This is particularly important as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits certain traits on occasion, those who have ADHD often show them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling restless, and may also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be identified by difficulty in staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines 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 having a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so in order to receive the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to help you overcome them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you will need to undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This needs to be performed by a healthcare professional who is a specialist within ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing techniques to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long they last. 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 collected from a variety of sources and make an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the examination you will be asked to take tests that are that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine their impact on how you perform in your daily activities. You could be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests such as puzzles or timed activities. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well, like an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they affect your work or relationships.
The here person you speak to will be able give you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the options available for treatment, such as the possibility of a shared care agreement 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
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting a diagnosis. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist physician who can confirm or denial a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are related to the medication you are on.
Once the test is complete the doctor will review the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each person you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and efficiently.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability to manage time and manage their tasks. Some people with ADHD might benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting a diagnosis for ADHD in particular when they are part of an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or to be denied treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their problems with organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that allow them to function lower than their capabilities, but these could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private health care but they aren't sure if their GPs will be willing to sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or contacting them to ensure that they have the experience you require. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication in the event of need. Choose a doctor that has completed 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. For example, some people prefer someone who is of their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.