How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to provide them with.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are handing out unreliable health assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to go through a complete examination with psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for the use of medication. This is crucial as a formal diagnosis is necessary in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these traits on occasion, those who suffer from ADHD tend to display them to a much 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. Insane behavior may include making rash choices, purchasing items without considering the implications or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms could include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks and putting off deadlines, or having difficulty 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 having an assessment, it is vital to seek one to receive the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives are changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test, and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. In your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are highly skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter what their rank in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is in relation to their particular abilities, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A doctor will conduct a structured interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships and how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and look over your medical history. The doctor will then review all the information collected from various sources before determining an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment during the assessment, you will be required to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the results of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to conduct a private examination by a specialist doctor who can confirm or denial a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
Once the assessment is completed the doctor will review the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on the specific needs of each individual you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, most people find their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies check here to reduce stress and help them manage time and manage their tasks. Some people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can aid in improving their concentration and energy levels.
Certain adults might be more difficult to get the diagnosis of ADHD in particular if they belong to an ethnic minority. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take the financial aspects. 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 guidance.
Support
People with ADHD are often unable to comprehend the effects their conditions have on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function at a level lower than their capabilities however, these strategies could lead to issues like anxiety and depression, or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story demonstrates the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many people to receive the treatment they require. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're thinking of working with has experience working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking at their website or contacting them to confirm that they have the experience you require. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is important to choose the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones to prescribe medication when 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when choosing a psychiatrist or therapist. For example, some people prefer an therapist who is a member of their gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.