How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and will pay private companies to provide them with.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics provide unreliable health assessments. This has sparked some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an experienced psychiatrist for a complete examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only person who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for treatment. This is crucial since a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, like flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits certain traits occasionally, those with ADHD are likely to show these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, being unable to stay still or feel restless, and may also be a problem with planning and organisation. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble keeping a focus on tasks and putting off deadlines, or having difficulty to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
Although many adults are nervous about having an ADHD diagnosis, it's vital to seek one to get the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can 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 them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test and an extensive clinical interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are competent in helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo a thorough examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique skills and knowledge that defines 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 life and relationships, and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then take into consideration the information gathered from various sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be required to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or timed read more tasks. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from, as many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, like an individual from your family, partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The expert will be able give you a detailed account of the results of the evaluation, as well as the options available for treatment. This could 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 they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting a diagnosis. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist doctor, who will confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor will also be able to tell you if you have other mental health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are due to medication you are on.
After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and suggest a plan of treatment. Based on the needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that help to improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's chemical signals, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in regulating attention and movements. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes, which can help to improve their energy levels and concentration.
Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially in the case of the minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be challenging, especially in the event that you don't have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function below their potential. However, these can cause other issues, such as depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for many to receive the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare but they aren't sure if their doctors will sign a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own and even more costly professional coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can check this by looking on their website or contacting them to confirm that they have the experience you require. You can also ask whether they've treated comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is important to choose the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones to prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor with special 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 choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also consider your own personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with clients with kinks.