How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has caused concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to undergo a thorough assessment by a psychiatrist. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for treatment. This is important since a formal diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, including flexible working and to get access to NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone displays some of these characteristics at times however, those with ADHD tend to exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being agitated. It can also indicate problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble keeping a focus on tasks that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or finding it difficult 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 imperative to do so to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and an in-depth clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel relaxed.
Assessment
You'll need to go through an extensive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviewing to collect as much information on your symptoms as is possible, including how they affect your relationships and you, and for how long. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources and make a diagnose according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment you will be asked to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal their impact on how you function in your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed activities. They will also consider any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, for example, an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is done to gather more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships and work.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the findings of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only website 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 an assessment. The first step is to get a private assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medication.
Once the assessment is completed the doctor will review the results and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the specific requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. It can also include practical strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes that can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining an diagnosis for ADHD in particular if they belong to a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their conditions have on their lives. They aren't aware that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities however, these strategies can cause problems such as anxiety and depression as well as alcohol or drug abuse.
This story demonstrates the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign an "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track of experience working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or calling them to ensure that they have the experience you need. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they will be the one who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor with 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 selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. For instance, some individuals are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is of their gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with the kink client.