How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has sparked some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit 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 give you an official diagnosis for medication. This is crucial because a valid diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, like flexible working, and to get access to NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone has some of these characteristics on occasion, those who have ADHD tend to exhibit them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior may include making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD can be identified by difficulty in staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination, or a lack of ability 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 get an assessment. However, this is important to receive the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in 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 after being diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely competent in helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo an exhaustive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be carried out by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information on your symptoms as they can and how they impact your relationships and you and how long they last. 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 all the information gathered from various sources and determine a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily activities. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who knows you well - like someone from your family, a partner or a friend. This is in order to obtain more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships and work.
The specialist you meet with will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and what options are available for treatment, such as the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The specialist will present their holistic plan and any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining an assessment. The first step is to have a private evaluation by a specialist physician who will confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also tell you if there are other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
After the evaluation is completed your doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. Based on your specific needs, this could involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the brain's natural chemical messages like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in regulating attention and movements. Most people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their energy levels and focus.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD, especially if they belong to an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even denied treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly in the event that your insurance does not cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function below their potential but they could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many people to receive the treatment they need. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that will allow them to return to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're considering working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can visit their website or contact them to confirm if they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Selecting click here the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who will prescribe your medication, if required. 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. You might also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with clients with kinks.