How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private companies for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has caused controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to go through a complete assessment by a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can give a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics on occasion, those who suffer from ADHD are likely to show these traits to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactivity can manifest as the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be characterized by a lack of focus and avoiding deadlines, procrastination or an inability ability to think ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
While many adults feel apprehensive about getting an ADHD diagnosis, it's imperative to do so to get the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming these. Once diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of a discussion about your symptoms and their impact on your life, and the completion of the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD is required undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This needs to be carried out by medical professionals who are an expert in ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist 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 when it comes to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to collect the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and the length of time you've been experiencing them for. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and examine your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety sources and formulate a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the test, you will be required to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact they have on your perform in your daily activities. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other disorders you might have, since many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who is familiar with you - for example, an individual from your family, partner or a close friend. This is to get further confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.
The person you speak to will be able to provide you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the options available for treatment, including an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their recommended holistic plan for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to obtain an assessment in private by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are due to medication you are on.
After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Depending on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that help to improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's chemical signals, like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and help them manage time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly if they are from an ethnic minority. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. The people in these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly when you do not have insurance. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD are often unable to comprehend the effects their conditions have on their lives. They don't realize that their problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks could cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these may result in other problems, such as depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug dependence.
This story highlights the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some people pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to click here sign an "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can visit their website or phone number to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who will prescribe your medication, if required. 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.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you should also be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients with kinks.