How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has caused debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an Psychiatrist for a thorough assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for treatment. This is especially important since the need for a formal diagnosis is essential in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to get access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays certain characteristics occasionally but those with ADHD often show them in a more extreme form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, inability to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also have issues with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without considering the implications or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD is characterized by difficulty in staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination or an inability ability to think 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 assessment, it is vital to seek one to receive the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will help you overcome these. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve an interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel relaxed.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you will need to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by an expert in healthcare who is an expert in ADHD. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals when it comes to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will utilize 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 last. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your family mental health history as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety sources and make a diagnose in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily functioning. You may be asked to answer questions about your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed 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 assessment 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 done to gather more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships or work.
The specialist will be able to provide you with a thorough 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 present their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. The first step is to get 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 with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are any other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or the cause of your symptoms is medication.
After the evaluation your doctor will review the results and click here recommend the best treatment plan. Based on your specific requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that aid in reducing their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This can also include practical strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes, which can aid in improving their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly if they are from a minority group. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even denied treatment.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially in the event that you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take the financial aspects. Furthermore they are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact their condition has on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks lead to problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these can result in other problems like depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story demonstrates the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" which would permit them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to to pay for private medication and CBT therapy or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a good track of experience working with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking at their website or calling them to ensure that they have the experience you require. You can also inquire if they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they are the ones who prescribes your 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people are more comfortable with someone who is a member of their gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with kink clients.