How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics provide inaccurate assessments. This has led to some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see a psychiatrist for a full examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get 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 the use of medication. This is essential because a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working and to get access to NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these traits occasionally, those with ADHD are likely to show these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, inability to stay still or feel uneasy, and could also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive purchases without considering the implications or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty staying focused, procrastination, missing deadlines, or a lack of 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 hesitant to seek a diagnosis. However, this is necessary in order to get the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to 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 tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The process of assessment involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
You'll need to go through a thorough examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals in relation to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a 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 how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from various sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily functioning. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other disorders you may have, as they may present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - such as a family member, partner or friend. This is done to gather more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships and work.
The specialist will be able to provide you with a thorough explanation of the results of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). 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 difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to obtain an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that might cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking.
Once the test is complete, your clinician will discuss the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. Based on your requirements, this could mean starting medication or psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the availability 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 that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and manage their tasks. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting an diagnosis for ADHD, especially when they are part of minorities. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or be denied treatment.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially when you don't have insurance. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into account. Furthermore they are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training that can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause problems at work or relationships. adhd assessment private with high IQs may be more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these may lead to other problems, such as depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug dependence.
This story demonstrates 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 get the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but they aren't sure if their doctors will sign a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after 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 worked with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by looking up their website, or contacting them to make sure that they have the experience you require. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is essential to select the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who prescribe medication when 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, it is important to consider your own personal preferences. For example, some people prefer a psychiatrist who is of their gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with clients with kinks.