How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private companies to provide them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has caused controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is important because a valid diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone has some of these characteristics on occasion but those with ADHD typically exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble 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 vital to seek one in order to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. During your examination, our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD you'll need to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist within ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, because it is their specific abilities and knowledge that define them as an expert.
A specialist will use a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and examine your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety of sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be required to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily functioning. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the findings of the examination, as well as 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 discuss their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication that they think 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 can either confirm or refuse a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medication.
After the evaluation your doctor will review the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Based check here on the specific requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that aid in reducing their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the amount of brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in attention and movement. Once the medication is taken frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could also include practical strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD might also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.
Some adults may be more difficult to get a diagnosis for ADHD in particular if they belong to minorities. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even not treated.
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 which take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function below their potential, but these could lead to issues like anxiety and depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story demonstrates the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some people pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign an "shared care agreement" that would allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you are considering working with has a good track experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the best psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who prescribe medication if needed. 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may feel more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.