How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them with.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics provide unreliable assessments. This has sparked controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to go through a complete examination by psychiatrist. Although some people have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for treatment. This is crucial as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential for access to 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 are categorized into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays certain traits occasionally but those with ADHD often show these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, unable to sit still or feeling anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on work 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 reluctant to get a diagnosis. However, this is necessary in order to get the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and find ways and methods to conquer them. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The process of assessment involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam and a detailed interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
You'll need to go through an extensive assessment as an adult with ADHD before being diagnosed. This needs to be performed by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals as it comes down to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing to collect as much information about your symptoms as is possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information collected from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily activities. You might be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed activities. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well - such as an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.
The person you speak to will be able to give you a detailed report outlining the results of your evaluation and the available options for treatment, such as the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will outline their holistic plan as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to get an individual assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are related to the medications you're taking.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review your results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on the needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key role in attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes, which can help to improve their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to the minority group. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents 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 aren't aware that their issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these can cause other issues, such as anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for many people to get the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their physician will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following an official diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're thinking of working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or contacting them to ensure that they have the experience you require. You can also ask whether they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that read more coexist with ADHD).
Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication in the event of need. 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some individuals will be more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is their gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.