How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has led to controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD are likely to show them to a much more severe degree than others. Hyperactive behavior can include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making decisions that are reckless, buying items without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD is characterized by a lack of focus and avoiding deadlines, procrastination, 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.
Many adults are hesitant to seek an assessment. However, it's essential to receive the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients report that once they've been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The assessment process will involve an interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. During your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are adept at helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD, you will need undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This needs to be performed by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, because it is their specific capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as an expert.
A specialist will use structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information about your symptoms as they can and how they impact your relationships and you and how long. They will also ask about the mental health history of your family members and review your medical history. The doctor will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources before determining a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment, 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 complete questionnaires about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests like puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other disorders you might have, since many of them can present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.
The specialist you meet with will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and what options are available to treat your condition, including an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (where you pay just the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will explain their holistic plan and any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to have an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are any other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medications.
Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest a treatment plan. Depending on your requirements, this could mean starting medication or psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key part in regulating attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include practical strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD might also benefit from diet changes that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially in the case of the minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. These people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, 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. Additionally these clinics are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function lower than their capabilities however, these strategies could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression as well as the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them being required to pay for private treatment and CBT or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're thinking of working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking up their website, or calling them to make sure they have the knowledge you need. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Selecting private adhd assessment online or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who will prescribe your medication, if required. 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. For instance, some people will be more comfortable with someone who is of their gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.