How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the lengthy 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 some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has led to concern and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is essential since a formal diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone is likely to exhibit certain traits occasionally, those with ADHD will often demonstrate them to a much more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, inability to stay still or feel anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD can be identified by a lack of focus 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.
While many adults feel apprehensive about seeking a diagnosis, it is vital to seek one to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.
The process of assessment involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, and the completion of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an extensive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their unique 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 inquire about your family's history of mental health and look over your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily functioning. You may be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will 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 - for example, an individual from your family, partner or a close friend. This is to get further evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine how they impact your relationships and work.
The person you speak to will be able give you a thorough report that outlines the findings of your examination and the available options to treat your condition, including an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription cost). The specialist will present their holistic plan and 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 get an assessment in private by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health conditions that could cause your symptoms or if they are caused by medications.
After the examination the doctor will go over the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each patient you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the brain's natural chemical messages such as norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability manage time and tasks. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from diet changes that improve their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining an diagnosis for ADHD particularly when they are part of an ethnic minority. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. These groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into account. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to here be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who are able to offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact their conditions have on their lives. They aren't aware that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level below their potential however, these strategies can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their physician will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' which will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more costly 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 check their website or contact them to confirm they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also inquire whether they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who prescribe medication if needed. Look for a doctor who has completed specialized training in 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 take into account your own personal preferences. For example, some people prefer someone who is of their gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.