How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in many patients because of the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to give them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to undergo a thorough exam with psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis for medication. This is crucial as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally, those with ADHD will often demonstrate these traits to a more severe degree than others. The signs of hyperactivity include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD is characterized by difficulty in staying focused, procrastination, missing deadlines, or a lack of ability 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 hesitant to seek an assessment. But, it is important to receive the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter 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 test and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD you'll need undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This needs to be carried out by medical professionals who are a specialist within ADHD. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, because it is their specific abilities and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct a structured interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and how long you've been experiencing them for. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then take into consideration the information gathered from various sources and make an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily functioning. You might be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed activities. They will also consider any other disorders you might have, since many of them can present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - like a family member, partner or a close friend. This is to get further evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The specialist will be able to provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to conduct a private examination by a specialist physician who will confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
Once the test is complete the doctor will review the results and suggest a treatment plan. Depending on the needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Some people with ADHD might also benefit from diet changes that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly if they are from the minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be challenging, especially in the event that you don't have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take finances into account. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
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 in organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function at a level below their potential, but these can cause problems such as anxiety and depression as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This article highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they need. Some people pay for private healthcare but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign an "shared care agreement" that would allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to continue to pay for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive professional coaching book adhd assessment services.
Always verify that the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by checking up their website, or calling them to make sure they have the knowledge you need. You can also ask whether they've dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones to prescribe medication if needed. Look for a doctor who 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.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you should also take into account your own personal preferences. For instance, some individuals will be more comfortable with someone who is a member of their gender or culture. You might also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with kink clients.