How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are handing out inaccurate assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is essential since a formal diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, including flexible working and to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays some of these characteristics on occasion, those who have ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being restless. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organizing. Insane behavior may include making rash decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on work 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.
Many adults are hesitant about having an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming them. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The assessment process will involve an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely competent in helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo a thorough examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their rank in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, in relation to their particular abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and how long you've been experiencing them for. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety of sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily functioning. 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 these can present similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the outcome of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting a diagnosis. The first step is to get an individual assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or the cause of your symptoms is medication.
After the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Based on your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key 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 can benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability manage time and work. Some people with ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can improve their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or be refused treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into account. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize that their difficulties in organising, planning and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function lower than their capabilities however, these strategies can cause problems such as anxiety and depression, or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the need to seek an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their physician will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying read more for private medication, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're working with has experience working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or calling them to make sure that they have the experience you need. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the right psychiatrist or therapy, as they will be the ones to prescribe medication if needed. Choose a doctor that 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people might be more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients with kinks.