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 patients are desperate for answers and will pay private providers to provide them with.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are handing out unreliable health assessments. This has caused debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is especially important since an official diagnosis is required to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone has certain characteristics on occasion however, those with ADHD typically exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, inability to stay still or feel uneasy, and could also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can include reckless purchases without considering the implications or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD is characterized by a lack of focus and avoiding deadlines, procrastination or an inability 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 reluctant to pursue a diagnosis. But, it is necessary in order to get the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an examination of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
You'll need to go through a thorough examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals is when it comes to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviews to collect as much information on your symptoms as they can as they can, including how they affect you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily functioning. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They'll also look at any other disorders you may have, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - for example, a family member, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The specialist you meet with will be able give you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the available options to treat your condition, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will explain their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist doctor, who can either confirm or refuse a diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
After the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss your results and recommend a treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each patient, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD receive stimulant medications to help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key part in regulating attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This can include practical strategies to reduce stress and help them manage time and manage their tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults may be more difficult to get the diagnosis of ADHD, especially if they belong to minorities. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be not treated.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly when you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take consideration financial concerns. Additionally they are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware that their issues with planning, organizing and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function below their capacity however, these strategies could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression as well as the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to to website pay for private treatment and CBT or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking at their website or by calling them to ensure that they have the expertise you require. You can also determine if they have experience treating 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. Choose a doctor that has completed 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people might be more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with the kink client.