How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them with.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are handing out inaccurate assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to go through a complete assessment by psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is crucial because a valid diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working and to be able to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays certain characteristics occasionally, those who have ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organization. Insane behavior may include making rash decisions, buying items without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on work, procrastinating, missing 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.
While many adults feel apprehensive about having an assessment, it is essential that you 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 help you understand your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will help you overcome these. Many of our patients tell us that after being diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.
The process of assessment involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely competent in helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD, you will need to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This must be carried out by an expert in healthcare who is an expert in ADHD. This could be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals when it comes to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to gather 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 go over your medical background and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment you will be asked to take tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also take into consideration any other disorders you might be suffering from, as they may present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is to get further evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.
The expert you meet with will be able to provide you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the available options for treatment, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is a private examination by a specialist physician who can either confirm or refuse a 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 might be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. Based on the 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 amount of brain's natural chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in attention and movement. When the medication is used frequently, many people notice that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a program that focuses on improving their relationships and here self-esteem. It can also include practical strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD might benefit from dietary changes that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from the minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD is like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be refused treatment.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be challenging, especially when you do not have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. 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 suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their problems with organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these could lead to other problems, such as anxiety, depression or alcohol or drug dependence.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some people pay for private healthcare, but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will agree to a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This can lead to them being required paying for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by checking at their website or contacting them to make sure they have the knowledge you need. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones to prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor with special 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with kink clients.