How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to go through a complete exam by psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official 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 to be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three most common symptoms of ADHD. While everyone exhibits certain traits on occasion but those with ADHD often show them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It can also indicate problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused 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 reluctant to pursue a diagnosis. However, this is important to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to aid you in conquering these. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. In your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely adept at helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an exhaustive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing to collect as much information on your symptoms as is possible and how they impact your relationships with others and how long. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and examine your medical history. The doctor will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources and make an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process you will be asked to complete tests designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily life. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They also take into account any other conditions you might be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the assessment. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the outcome of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting an assessment. The first step is to have an assessment in private by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that might be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medications you're taking.
After the examination the doctor will go over the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on the needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, such as norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in attention and movements. Most people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can also include strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD, especially if they belong to an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be refused treatment.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly if you do not have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into account finances. Additionally these clinics are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns in training that can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their problems in organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function below their capacity, but these could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many to get the treatment they require. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no guarantee that their GP will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows them to go back to the NHS for follow up treatment following an official diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to paying for private treatment and CBT or even more expensive professional coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a good track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or calling them to confirm that they have the expertise you need. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, as they will be the ones to prescribe medication if 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some individuals are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender more info or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.