How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private companies for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an experienced psychiatrist for a complete examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can provide you with an official diagnosis for medication. This is crucial as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays certain traits at times however, those with ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of 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 pursue a diagnosis. However, this is necessary in order to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and 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 will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test and an in-depth clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
As an adult suffering from 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 a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific abilities and knowledge that define them as an expert.
private adhd assessment adults will conduct an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and the length of time you've been experiencing them for. 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 determine an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the test you will be asked to take tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact they have on your function in your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from as many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned as part of the assessment. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.
The specialist will be able to provide a full explanation of the findings of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is to obtain a private assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor will also be able to inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are related to the medication you are on.
Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. When the medication is used frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. It can include strategies that can reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to a minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to take part in a range of different 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 don't always realize the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function below their capacity, but these could lead to issues like anxiety and depression, or 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 treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but they aren't sure if their doctors will sign an "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This could result in them having to paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're considering working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or contacting them to confirm they have the knowledge you require. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they will be the one who prescribes your medication, if required. Choose a doctor that has completed specialized training for adults with 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. Some people may feel more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.