How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to provide them.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is essential since a formal diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, including flexible working, and to get access to NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone displays certain traits occasionally but those with ADHD often show them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on work, procrastinating, missing deadlines or finding it difficult 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 getting an assessment, it is imperative to do so to get the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will help you overcome these. Many of our patients tell us that once they've been diagnosed, their lives are changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are competent in helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD you'll need to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a 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, when it comes to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing to collect as much information about your symptoms as possible and how they impact your relationships and you and how long they last. They will also inquire about the mental health history of your family members and examine your medical history. The doctor will then review all the information gathered from a variety of sources and make an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment during the assessment, you will be required to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily life. You may be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests, such as puzzles or timed activities. They'll also look at any other disorders you might be suffering from, as they may present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well, for example, an individual from your family, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The expert you meet with will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the results of your evaluation and what options are available to treat your condition, including an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription charge). The specialist will present their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist doctor, who will confirm or denial a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are related to the medication you are on.
After the assessment the doctor will go over the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on the specific needs of each individual you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that help to improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability to manage time and work. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially in the case of a minority group. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. These people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or to be refused treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. Furthermore 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 with ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties with planning, organising and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function below their capacity, but these could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression as well as the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they need. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will agree to a 'shared care agreement' which will allow them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you are considering working with has a solid track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm they have the expertise needed. You can also inquire whether they've treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who prescribe medication when needed. 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 selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. For instance, some people are more comfortable with an therapist who is a member of their more info gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.