How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private companies for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a full exam by psychiatrist. Although some people have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis for the use of medication. This is essential because a valid diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics at times, those who have ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It can also indicate problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive choices, purchasing items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on tasks that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or finding it difficult 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 seek a diagnosis. However, it's important to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of a discussion about your symptoms and their impact on your life, the completion of the DIVA online test and a detailed interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you will need undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it is their unique skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect as much information as is 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 ask about your family's history of mental health and examine your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety of sources and make a diagnose according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment, you will be required to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily life. You could be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed exercises. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from since many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - like an individual from your family, partner or friend. This is in order to obtain more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships and work.
The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your care and will go over any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining an assessment. The first step is to obtain an assessment in private by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor will also be able to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that might be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are due to medications you're taking.
After the assessment the doctor will go over the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this may involve starting medication or psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's chemical signals, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. Most people notice that their symptoms get better 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 strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people with ADHD can benefit from dietary changes that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to a minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. These people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or be refused treatment.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations isn't easy, especially in the event that you do not have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take finances into account. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. private adhd assessment don't always realize that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these may cause other issues like depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug abuse.
This article highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no guarantee that their GP will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
You should always check that any health professional you're considering working with has a good track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can look up their website or call them to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones to prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor with special 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. For instance, some people are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is of their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with kink clients.