How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and will pay private providers to give them.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has caused some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an experienced psychiatrist for a complete evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have 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 the use of medication. This is crucial as an official diagnosis is required for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics on occasion however, those with ADHD typically exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling uneasy, and could also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive choices, purchasing items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be identified 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.
While many adults feel apprehensive about having an ADHD diagnosis, it's imperative to do so in order to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment involves an examination of your symptoms and how they affect your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
You'll need to go through an extensive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. adhd assessment for adults private could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is as it comes down to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that make them a specialist.
A specialist will conduct a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety of sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment, you will be required to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine their impact on how you perform in your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned as part of the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The specialist will be able to provide a full explanation of the findings of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty getting an assessment. The first step is to obtain an individual assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medications.
After the evaluation, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Based on your specific needs, this could involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key role in attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy focusing 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, which can improve their energy levels and focus.
Certain adults might be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD particularly those who belong to minorities. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even refused treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties with planning, organising and completing tasks lead to 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 coping strategies that enable them to perform below their potential. However, these may cause other issues, such as depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol abuse.
This story demonstrates the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many to receive the treatment they require. Some 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 them to return back to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This can lead to them having to continue paying for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're thinking of working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can check this by looking on their website or by calling them to ensure that they have the experience you need. You can also inquire whether they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is essential to select the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who prescribe medication if 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. Some people may 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 experience with clients with kinks.