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 in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are handing out unreliable assessments. This has caused controversy and concerns about 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 give a formal diagnosis for medication. This is crucial as an official diagnosis is required to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three most common symptoms of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these traits occasionally, those with ADHD are likely to show these to a greater extent than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It may also include issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on tasks that require attention, avoiding 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 reluctant to pursue a diagnosis. However, it's necessary in order to get the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming these. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The process of assessment involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the taking of the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an extensive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviews to gather as much information about your symptoms as is possible and how they impact your relationships and you and how long. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information gathered from various sources and make an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the examination, you will be required to take tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine their impact on how you perform in your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as timed tasks or puzzles. They'll also take into consideration any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine if they affect your work or relationships.
The person you speak to will be able to provide you a detailed report outlining the results of your evaluation and the available options for treatment, including an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription cost). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is to get an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss your results and recommend a treatment plan. Based on your needs, this could involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. Many people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to ease their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, most people find their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability to manage time and work. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their energy levels and concentration.
Some adults may have a harder time getting an diagnosis for ADHD, especially if they belong to minorities. Certain medical psychiatrist adhd assessment professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or even not treated.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. Furthermore they are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns 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 don't realize that their issues with planning, organizing and completing tasks can cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function lower than their capabilities, but these can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but aren't guaranteed that their doctors will sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" which would permit them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can do this by looking up their website, or by calling them to ensure they have the knowledge you need. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication if needed. 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to consider your own personal preferences. For example, some people are more comfortable with someone who is of their gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.