How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and will pay private companies to provide them with.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has caused controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full exam by psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is especially important since the need for a formal diagnosis is essential in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to get access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics on occasion, those who suffer from ADHD tend to display them to a much more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to stay still or feel restless, and may also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on tasks and putting off deadlines, or having trouble 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. However, it's essential to receive the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.
The process of assessment will include an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD is required to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. 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 hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their unique abilities and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will conduct a structured interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and how long you've been experiencing them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your family mental health history as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety sources and formulate a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the examination, you will be required to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also reveal their impact on how you function in your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots as well as timed tasks or puzzles. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those 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 if they affect your work or relationships.
The expert will provide a full explanation of the findings 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 discuss their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. The first step is to obtain an individual assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are any other mental health conditions that could cause your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
Once the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on the needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to ease their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial part in regulating attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability manage time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting an diagnosis for ADHD in particular when they are part of a minority group. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or even denied treatment.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you don't have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to be unaware of the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these could lead to other problems, such as anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug abuse.
This story demonstrates the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will sign a'shared care agreement' that will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking on more info their website or contacting them to confirm they have the knowledge you need. You can also inquire whether they've treated comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor with specialized training on 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people might be more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with clients with kinks.