How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are handing out inaccurate assessments. This has led to concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full examination with psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for treatment. This is crucial since a formal diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, like flexible working, as well as to get access to NHS medication.
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD are likely to show these to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive decisions, buying items without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD is characterized by difficulty staying focused, procrastination, missing deadlines, 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 seek a diagnosis. However, it's important to receive the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.
The assessment process will involve an interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. During your assessment, our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely competent in helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
Assessment
You'll need to go through an exhaustive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter how high their position in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, as it comes down to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that make them a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing to collect as much information on your symptoms as possible, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long they last. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the test you will be asked to take tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact they have on your perform in your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them can present get more info symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the findings of the evaluation, 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 explain their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is to get an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you are on.
After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each person you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the amount of brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial part in regulating attention and movement. Once the medication is taken frequently, many 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. It can also include practical strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary modifications, which can help to improve their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially in the case of the minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly in the event that your insurance does not cover it. 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 interns or residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their conditions have on their lives. They don't realize that their problems in organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to be unaware of the impact of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function lower than their capabilities but they could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression, or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for many to receive the treatment they need. Some pay for private health care but are not guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them being required paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a good track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm they have the expertise needed. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones who prescribe medication when needed. Look for 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 selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also take into account your own personal preferences. For example, some people will be more comfortable with an therapist who is a member of their gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.