How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has led to controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult a psychiatrist for a full examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for the prescription of medication. 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 get 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 exhibits certain characteristics occasionally but those with ADHD tend to exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, inability to stay still or feel anxious, and can also have issues with planning and organisation. Insane behavior may include making rash choices, purchasing items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty 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 pursue an assessment. However, it's essential to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to help you overcome these. Many of our patients report that once they've been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The assessment process consists of an open discussion of your symptoms and their impact on your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam, and a detailed 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'll need undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This must be carried out by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, when it comes to their particular abilities, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviews to collect as much information about your symptoms as they can as they can, including how they affect you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and look over your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment you will be required to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.
The expert will be able provide a full explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss check here any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to obtain an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if you have other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss your results and recommend a treatment plan. Based on your specific needs, this could involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, such as norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in the development of attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD can benefit from dietary changes that improve their energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting an diagnosis for ADHD particularly when they are part of an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments isn't easy, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into the financial aspects. Furthermore they are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these can lead to other problems, such as depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug addiction.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows them to return to the NHS for follow up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own and even more costly specialist coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or call them to confirm that they have the expertise needed. You can also inquire whether they've dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if needed. Find 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. For example, some people will be more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is of their gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.