How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to give them with.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics provide unreliable health assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to go through a complete examination by psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis for medication. This is essential since a formal diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, like flexible working, as well as to access NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain characteristics at times, those who have ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD can be identified by a lack of focus, procrastination, missing 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.
Many adults are reluctant to pursue an assessment. But, it is important to receive the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will help you overcome these. Many of our patients report that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The process of assessment will include an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test, and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. During your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are competent in helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD you'll need to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as specialist.
A specialist will conduct an organized interview to collect the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The specialist will then consider all the information collected from a variety of sources and determine an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process you will be required to complete tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily functioning. You may be asked to complete questionnaires regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests, such as puzzles or timed activities. They will also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, for example, an individual from your family, partner or a close friend. This is in order to obtain more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine how they impact your relationships or work.
The expert you meet with will be able to give you a detailed report outlining the outcome of your assessment and the available options for treatment, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you only pay the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting a diagnosis. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist physician who can either confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are related to the medication you are on.
Once the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss your results and recommend a treatment plan. Based on the specific needs of each individual you could be prescribed cost of private adhd assessment medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key part in regulating attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could include strategies to reduce stress and help them manage time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.
Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. The people in these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize 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 like anxiety and depression as well as the use of alcohol or drugs.
This article highlights the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for a lot of people to access the treatment they require. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that allows them to go back to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has experience working with adults with ADHD. You can visit their website or contact them to confirm that they have the expertise needed. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they will be the one who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. Choose a doctor that 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may feel more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.