How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to give them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has sparked controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete 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 professional who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for treatment. This is crucial as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three most common symptoms of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD are likely to show these to a greater extent than others. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can involve making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing 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 think ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
Many adults are reluctant to get an assessment. However, this is essential to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The process of assessment involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly adept at helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
Assessment
You'll need to go through a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by a healthcare professional who is a specialist in ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to gather as much information about your symptoms as they can as they can, including how they affect you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your 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 determine an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process you will be required to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily life. You may be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed exercises. They also take into account any other conditions you might be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well - such as a family member, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.
The person you speak to will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the findings of your examination and the available options for treatment, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay just the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will explain their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to obtain an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
Once the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss your results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each patient you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. I Am Psychiatry of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability manage time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can help to improve their energy levels and focus.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially in the case of the minority group. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. They are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or even refused treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be a challenge, particularly in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to comprehend the impact their condition has on their lives. They don't always realize that their difficulties with planning, organising and completing tasks cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function at a level below their capacity however, these strategies could lead to issues such as depression and anxiety as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they require. Some people pay for private healthcare but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're considering working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can check their website or contact them to confirm that they have the experience and expertise required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the best psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones who prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor with specialized 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some individuals are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.