How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving inaccurate assessments. This has caused controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an Psychiatrist for a thorough assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is crucial as a formal diagnosis is necessary in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally, those with ADHD tend to display them to a much greater extent than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks and putting off 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.
While many adults feel apprehensive about getting a diagnosis, it is vital to seek one in order to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam and a detailed interview. During your examination, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel comfortable and at ease.
Assessment
You'll need to go through an exhaustive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing to collect as much information about your symptoms as is possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long they last. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental health and review your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration the information gathered from various sources and make an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily life. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from since they may have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well, like someone from more info your family, a partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.
The expert you meet with will be able to provide you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the options available to treat your condition, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay only the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will outline their holistic plan and any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting an assessment. The first step is to obtain a private assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms or whether they are caused by medication.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review your results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on your specific needs, this could involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's natural chemical messages, like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a significant role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability to manage time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.
Some adults may be more difficult to get a diagnosis for ADHD in particular when they are part of an ethnic minority. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. These groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be challenging, especially if you don't have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. Additionally these clinics are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that allow them to function at a level below their capacity however, these strategies can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many people to get the treatment they require. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that will allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them being required paying for private treatment and CBT or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm that they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is essential to select the best psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones who prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor with special 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people may be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with clients with kinks.