How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are handing out unreliable assessments. This has caused debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an experienced psychiatrist for a complete assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also get access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit certain traits occasionally, those with ADHD tend to display these to a greater extent than others. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior may include making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD is characterized by a lack of focus, procrastination, missing deadlines or an inability 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 hesitant to pursue a diagnosis. But, it is essential to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients say that once they've been diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.
The process of assessment will include an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and an extensive clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD is required to go through a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This must be conducted by an expert in healthcare who is an expert in ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist 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, when it comes to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use a structured interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and look over your medical history. The specialist will then consider all the information gathered from a variety of 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 take tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you function in your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The person you speak to will be able to give you a detailed report outlining the outcome of your assessment and the options available for treatment, such as the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay only the NHS prescription charge). The specialist will present 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 an assessment. The first step is to obtain an assessment in private by a specialist physician who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to inform you get more info if you are suffering from other mental health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking.
After the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest a treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each patient, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that help to improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the amount of brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial part in regulating attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and efficiently.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that can reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can aid in improving their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining the diagnosis of ADHD particularly those who belong to a minority group. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD is like. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially when you do not have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their conditions have on their lives. They aren't aware that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these can cause other issues like depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol dependence.
This story demonstrates the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many to get the treatment they require. Some pay for private healthcare but they aren't sure if their GPs will agree to the terms of a "shared care agreement" which would permit them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're thinking of working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm they have the experience and expertise required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they will be the one who prescribes your medication if needed. Choose a doctor that has completed specialized training for adults with 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 consider your own personal preferences. For instance, some people are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is of their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.