How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has sparked concern and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to go through a complete examination with a psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis for medication. This is especially important since an official diagnosis is required to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics at times however, those with ADHD often show these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactivity can manifest as the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on tasks that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or finding it difficult 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. But, it is necessary in order to get the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming these. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The assessment process consists of an open discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you will need to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This must be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This can 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 unique skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.
A specialist will use an organized interview to collect the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the test you will be asked to take tests that are that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess their impact on how you perform in your daily activities. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from since they may have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is in order to obtain more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships or work.
The expert will be able provide a full explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to get an assessment in private by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medications you're taking.
After the examination your doctor will review the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on the requirements of each patient you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key part in regulating attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their energy levels and focus.
Some adults may be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD in particular if they belong to minorities. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. They are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or be not treated.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations isn't easy, especially in the event that you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects their conditions have on their lives. They don't realize that their problems in organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to get more info be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function below their potential but they can lead to problems like anxiety and depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private health care but they aren't sure if their GPs will agree to the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can visit their website or call them to confirm that they have the experience and expertise required. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, as they will be the ones to prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor with 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 must also consider your own personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.