How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis 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 companies for their services.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has caused controversy and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an experienced psychiatrist for a complete assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for the use of medication. This is important because a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working and to access NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics at times however, those with ADHD typically exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty in 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.
Many adults are hesitant to pursue an assessment. However, this is necessary in order to get the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients report that once they've been diagnosed, their lives change to the better.
The process of assessment involves a discussion about your symptoms and their impact on your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam and a detailed interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their unique capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviews to collect as much information about your symptoms as they can as they can, including how they affect you and your relationships, and for how long. They will also review your medical history and ask about your family mental health history as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the test, you will be required to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine their impact on how you function in your daily life. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, and inkblots as well as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from, as they may present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed as part of the assessment. This is done to gather more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships or work.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the findings of the check here examination, as well as the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting the diagnosis. The first step is to have a private examination by a specialist physician who will confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
After the examination your doctor will review the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on the needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that aid in reducing their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the amount of 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 also include practical strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people suffering from ADHD might benefit from dietary changes that improve their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly if they are from the minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially when you do not have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities, but these can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This article highlights the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they require. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required 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 considering working with has a positive track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can visit their website or contact them to confirm they have the expertise needed. You can also ask whether they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is important to choose the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones who will prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor with 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also be aware of your personal preferences. For instance, some people prefer a psychiatrist who is of their gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with the kink client.