How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics are providing unreliable assessments. This has caused controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a full examination by psychiatrist. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for treatment. This is especially important since the need for a formal diagnosis is essential to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone has certain characteristics at times, those who have ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, inability to stay still or feel restless, and may also be a problem with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on work that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or having trouble 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 an assessment. But, it is essential to receive the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to help you overcome these. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.
The assessment process involves an examination of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD, you will need to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This must be carried out by medical professionals who are a specialist within ADHD. This can 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 pecking order of healthcare professionals is in relation to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you've been experiencing them for. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor will then review the information gathered from various sources and determine a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process you will be required to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily activities. You might be asked to answer questions about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests like puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, such as an individual from your family, partner or friend. This is to get further confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist physician who will confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medication.
After the evaluation, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Depending on the requirements of each patient you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD take stimulant medication to help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial part in regulating attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include practical strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes, which can help to improve their energy levels and focus.
Some adults may be more difficult to get a diagnosis for ADHD particularly those who belong to an ethnic minority. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be challenging, especially when you don't have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take the financial aspects. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a more info mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties with planning, organising and completing tasks cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function below their capacity however, these strategies can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you are considering working with has a good track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking up their website, or by calling them to ensure that they have the expertise you require. You can also ask whether they've treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the best psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones to prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor with special 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 take into account your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.