How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are handing out inaccurate assessments. This has led to controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full exam by a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone has certain traits on occasion but those with ADHD often show these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being restless. It can also indicate problems with planning and organization. Insane behavior may include making rash decisions, buying items without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks 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.
Although many adults are nervous about seeking a diagnosis, it is imperative to do so to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of an examination of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
You'll have to undergo a thorough evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This must be carried out by an expert in healthcare who is an expert in ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their rank in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals is when it comes to their particular abilities, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to collect the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and the length of time you've been experiencing them for. They will also ask about the mental health history of your family members and look over your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration the information gathered from a variety of sources before determining an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to complete tests designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily life. You might be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed activities. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who is familiar with you - such as someone from your family, a partner or friend. This is done to gather more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine how they impact your relationships and work.
The expert you meet with will be able to provide you a detailed report outlining the results of your evaluation and what options are available for treatment, such as a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you only pay the NHS prescription cost). The specialist will present their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to have an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that could 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 your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial 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 with ADHD can benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes, which can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD in particular those who belong to an ethnic minority. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or to be denied treatment.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially when you don't have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. Additionally, these clinics 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 with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to be unaware of the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these may result in other problems like depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug dependence.
This article highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their physician will agree to 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 having to continue to pay for private treatment and CBT and even more costly specialist coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a good track experience working with adults with ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm they have the expertise needed. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is crucial, as they are the ones who will prescribe your medication, if required. Find a doctor here with specialized 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to be aware of your personal preferences. For example, some people will be more comfortable with an therapist who is a member of their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with the kink client.