How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has sparked controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to go through a complete exam with psychiatrist. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to get access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three most common symptoms of ADHD. While everyone exhibits certain traits occasionally but those with ADHD tend to exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on work, procrastinating, missing deadlines or having trouble 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 seeking a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so to receive the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. Many of our patients tell us that once they've been diagnosed, their lives are changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
You will need to undergo an extensive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This must be carried out by a healthcare professional who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, when it comes to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also ask about the mental health history of your family members and review your medical history. The specialist will then consider all the information collected from a variety of sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the examination during the assessment, you will be required to take tests that are that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess their impact on how you perform in your daily life. You could be asked to complete questionnaires regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed activities. They also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is in order to obtain more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships and work.
The person you speak to will be able give you a detailed report outlining the results of your evaluation and the options available to treat your condition, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you only pay the NHS prescription cost). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan 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 will confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if you have other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medications.
After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on your specific needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key role in the development of attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and tasks. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially when they belong to a minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be challenging, especially when you don't have insurance. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize that their difficulties in organising, planning and completing tasks lead to 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 coping mechanisms that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these can lead to other problems, such as anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol abuse.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private healthcare but they aren't sure if their GPs will agree to the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This could result in them being required paying for private treatment and CBT and even more costly professional coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can check their website or contact them to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who will prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor who has 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.
It is also check here important to consider your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may be more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with kink clients.