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 patients are desperate for answers and will pay private providers to provide them with.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has led to 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 with psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for treatment. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays certain traits on occasion however, those with ADHD typically exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling restless, and may also have issues with planning and organization. Insane behavior may include making rash purchases without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be identified by difficulty staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of 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 reluctant to seek an assessment. However, this is necessary in order to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to help you overcome them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test and an in-depth clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD is required to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is in relation to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and look over your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety of sources and formulate a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment, you will be required to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also reveal their impact on how you perform in your daily activities. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed exercises. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as they may present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - for example, an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is in order to obtain more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships or work.
The person you speak to will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the options available for treatment, such as an agreement to share care with your GP for medications (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic treatment plan, as well as 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 get an individual assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review the results and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on your specific requirements, this could mean starting medication or psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and manage their tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD might also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a harder time getting the diagnosis of ADHD, especially if they belong to an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into account. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to take part in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice that their difficulties in organising, planning and completing tasks cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function below their potential. However, these may lead to other problems, such as depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.
It is important to ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can check this by looking up their website, or calling them to confirm that they have the experience you need. You can also determine click here if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they will be the one who prescribes your medication if needed. Find a doctor who has 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.
When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also take into account your own personal preferences. For instance, some people will be more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with kink clients.