How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics are providing unreliable assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a thorough exam by psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only one who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these traits on occasion, those with ADHD tend to display these to a greater extent than others. Hyperactivity can manifest as the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on tasks, procrastinating, missing deadlines or having difficulty 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 getting a diagnosis, 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 provide strategies and tools that will help you overcome these. Once diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. During your examination our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely competent in helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD, you will need to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, as it is their unique abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A doctor will conduct a structured interview to gather 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 review your medical history and ask about your the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily activities. You might be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other disorders you may have, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is in order to obtain more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships and work.
The expert will be able provide a full explanation of the results of the evaluation, as well as the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to have an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are any other mental health conditions that could cause your symptoms or if they are caused by medication.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each patient you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the brain's natural chemical messages like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in attention and movements. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can also include strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes, which can improve their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially if they are from a minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or be refused treatment.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly when you do not have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize that their difficulties with planning, organising and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities but they could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
private adhd assessment adults of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare but aren't guaranteed that their doctors will sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can check their website or phone number to confirm that they have the expertise needed. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is crucial, as they are the ones who prescribes your medication, if required. Find 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. Some people might be more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients with kinks.