How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has sparked some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a formal diagnosis for medication. This is especially important since an official diagnosis is required to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone displays certain characteristics at times but those with ADHD tend to exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to stay still or feel restless, and may also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making decisions that are reckless, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by a lack of focus, 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.
Although many adults are nervous about having a diagnosis, it is imperative to do so to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to aid you in conquering them. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The process of assessment involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam, and a detailed interview. During your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly adept at helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique abilities and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviews to collect as much information about your symptoms as possible, including how they affect you and your relationships and how long. They will also go over your medical history and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information gathered from various sources before determining an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During private adhd assessments will be asked to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact they have on your function in your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from, as they may have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - like a family member, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the results of the evaluation, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is to obtain an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are related to the medication you're taking.
Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss your results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this could involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to help improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice that their symptoms get better quickly and efficiently.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could also include strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD might benefit from dietary changes that improve their energy levels.
Some adults may be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD in particular if they belong to minorities. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be refused treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. Additionally they are more likely to take part in a range of different insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their conditions have on their lives. They don't realize that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function below their potential, but these can cause problems like anxiety and depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private health care but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign an "shared care agreement" which would permit them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to to pay for private medication and CBT therapy and even more costly professional coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're thinking of working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can look up their website or call them to confirm they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, as they will be the ones who will prescribe medication if necessary. 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 choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. For instance, some individuals 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 kink clients.