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 desperate for answers and willing to pay private companies for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has led to concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is particularly important as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to be able to access NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone will show certain traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD tend to display them to a much more severe degree than others. Hyperactive behavior can include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless purchases without considering the implications or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on tasks, procrastinating, missing deadlines or having difficulty to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
Many adults are hesitant to pursue a diagnosis. However, this is important to receive the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can 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 assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the completion of the DIVA online test and a detailed interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD, you will need to undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it is their specific abilities and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct a structured interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also inquire about the mental health history of your family members and look over your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment during the assessment, you will be required to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact they have on your function in your daily life. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed activities. They'll also look at 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 knows you well - like someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The specialist you meet with will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the available options to treat your condition, including an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (where you pay only 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
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The website first step is to get an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medications you're taking.
Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this may involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. Many people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to ease their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key part in regulating attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can include strategies that can reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can help to improve their energy levels and concentration.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from a minority group. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or even denied treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities but they can cause problems like anxiety and depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for many to get the treatment they require. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' which will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you are considering working with has a good track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can visit their website or contact them to confirm they have the experience and expertise required. You can also ask whether they've treated comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who will prescribe medication if necessary. Find 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. For example, some people prefer a psychiatrist who is their gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with the kink client.