How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive 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 a psychiatrist for a full evaluation 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 give you a formally recognised diagnosis for the use of medication. This is important because a valid diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, like flexible working, and to get access to NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits certain traits occasionally, those who have ADHD often show these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being restless. It may also include issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior may include making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD is characterized by a lack of focus 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.
Many adults are reluctant to seek a diagnosis. However, it's essential to receive the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely adept at helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
You'll have to undergo an extensive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, when it comes to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships with others, and for how long. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and examine your medical history. The specialist will then consider all the information collected from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment you will be asked to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily activities. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as click here puzzles or timed tasks. They also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from as they may have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the findings of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care arrangement 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
The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to conduct a private examination by a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also tell you if there are other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the specific 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 the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in attention and movement. When the medication is used frequently, many people notice that their symptoms get better quickly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. These can include strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability to manage time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD may also benefit from diet changes that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining an diagnosis for ADHD, especially when they are part of an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. They are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or be denied treatment.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you don't have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects their condition has on their lives. They don't always realize the fact that their struggles in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function at a level below their potential but they could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression as well as alcohol or drug abuse.
This article highlights the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for a lot of people to get the treatment they require. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're thinking of working with has worked with adults who have ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also ask whether they've treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they will be the one who will prescribe your medication if needed. Find a doctor who has 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to take into account your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.