How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to undergo a full assessment by a psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of medication. This is essential since a formal diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these traits at times, people who suffer from ADHD tend to display these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can involve making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks, procrastinating, missing 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 hesitant about seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming these. After being diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an extensive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist 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 is in relation to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing to collect as much information on your symptoms as they can and how they impact your relationships and you and how long. 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 gathered from a variety of sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they impact your work and relationships.
The specialist will be able to provide a full explanation of the findings of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to have an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medications.
After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your specific needs, this may involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key part in regulating attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. It can also include strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially in the case of an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. They are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or be denied treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. Additionally they are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function lower than their capabilities but they can cause problems like anxiety and depression as well as alcohol or drug abuse.
This story demonstrates the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are cost of private adhd assessment waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they require. Some people pay for private healthcare but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will agree to a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to continue paying for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by checking up their website, or calling them to make sure that they have the experience you require. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor with special 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 choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.