How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has led to debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is essential because a valid diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to access NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD tend to display these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, inability to stay still or feel anxious, and can also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive choices, purchasing items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD is characterized by difficulty staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines, or a lack of 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 imperative to do so in order to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients say that once they've been diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.
The assessment process involves a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test, and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. During your examination our psychiatrists have years of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly competent in helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships and the length of time you've been experiencing them for. They will also review your medical history and ask about your the mental health history of your family as well. The specialist will then consider all the information collected from various sources before determining an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the test you will be asked to take tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal their impact on how you function in your daily life. You might be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as they may present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who knows you well - such as an individual from your family, partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they impact your work and relationships.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the findings of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic plan as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to get an individual assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are due to medication you are on.
After the examination, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Depending on the requirements of each person you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a harder time getting a diagnosis for ADHD in particular when they are part of an ethnic minority. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly when your insurance doesn't cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to difficulties 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 strategies to cope that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities but they can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking an 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 people pay for private health care but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign an "shared care agreement" that would allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking at their website or contacting check here them to ensure that they have the expertise you require. You can also ask whether they've treated comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the best psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor who has completed specialized training for adults with 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 consider your personal preferences when choosing a psychiatrist or therapist. For example, some people prefer a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender or culture. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with the kink client.