How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are handing out inaccurate assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over 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. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for medication. This is important since a formal diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone displays certain traits on occasion, those who have ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, inability to stay still or feel anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive choices, purchasing items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on work and putting off 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 vital to seek one in order to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. During your assessment our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD you'll need to go through a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This needs to be performed by an expert in healthcare who is an expert in ADHD. This can 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 pecking-order of healthcare professionals, as it is their specific abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental health and look over your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety sources and formulate a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the test, you will be required to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact they have on your function in your daily life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also take into consideration any other disorders you might have, since many of them can present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - such as a family member, partner or a friend. This is in order to obtain more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships and work.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the results of the evaluation, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty getting an assessment. The first step is to have an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if you have other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms, or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
After the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each person, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's natural chemical messages, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can aid in improving their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining the diagnosis of ADHD particularly if they belong to a minority group. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be denied treatment.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations isn't easy, especially if you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks could cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to not understand the impact of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these can result in other problems like anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol dependence.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private health care but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" which would permit patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean being required paying for private medication and CBT therapy or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a good track experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can visit their website or phone number to confirm if they have the knowledge and experience required. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-assessments/ can also ask whether they've treated comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the best psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones to 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. For example, some people are more comfortable with someone who is their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.