How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them with.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has led to controversy and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult a psychiatrist for a full evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of medication. More Material is particularly important as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone will show some of these characteristics on occasion, those who suffer from ADHD tend to display these to a greater extent than others. Hyperactive behavior can include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty 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.
While many adults feel apprehensive about seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's imperative to do so to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to deal with them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and a detailed clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD is required to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific skills and knowledge that defines them as a specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing to gather as much information about your symptoms as is possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships with others and how long they last. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor will then review the information gathered from a variety of sources and determine an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process you will be required to complete tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily functioning. You might be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests, such as puzzles or timed activities. They will also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with someone who knows you well, for example, someone from your family, a partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they impact your work and relationships.
The expert will be able provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan and any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting an assessment. The first step is to have an assessment in private by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on the needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's natural chemical messages, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, most people find their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily 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 can also benefit from diet changes that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD particularly if they belong to minorities. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or be denied treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take consideration financial concerns. Additionally they are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their condition has on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these can cause other issues like depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol addiction.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private health care but they aren't sure if their GPs will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" that will allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medication, 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 check this by looking up their website, or calling them to ensure that they have the expertise you need. similar web-site can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who prescribes your medication, if required. Look for a doctor who 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. Some people may feel more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with clients with kinks.