How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able 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 firms for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are handing out unreliable health assessments. This has led to controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a formal diagnosis for medication. This is essential because a formal diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to be able to access NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone displays some of these characteristics on occasion but those with ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive choices, purchasing items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD is characterized by difficulty in staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination, or a lack of ability to plan 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 about getting an assessment, it is vital to seek one to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and find ways and methods to conquer them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test, and an in-depth clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel relaxed.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD is required to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be performed by medical professionals who are a specialist within ADHD. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the pecking order of healthcare professionals in relation to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to collect the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and look over your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the examination you will be asked to take tests designed to 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 as well as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They'll also take into consideration any other disorders you might be suffering from, as they may present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - such as an individual from your family, partner or a website friend. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the results of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining an assessment. The first step is to conduct a private examination by a specialist doctor, who can either confirm or refuse a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health issues that may explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are related to the medication you're taking.
After the evaluation, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Depending on your needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to help improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people suffering from ADHD can benefit from dietary changes that improve their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to an ethnic minority. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment because of this.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly if you don't have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into the financial aspects. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who 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 in organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these could cause other issues like anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug addiction.
This article highlights the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many to access the treatment they require. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that will allow them to return to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can visit their website or phone number to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also inquire if they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they will be the one who prescribes your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor who has 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, it is important to take into account your own personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.