How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private companies for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official diagnosis for treatment. This is especially important since a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these traits on occasion, those with ADHD will often demonstrate these to a greater extent than others. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, inability to remain still, or feeling uneasy, and could also have issues with planning and organisation. Insane behavior may include making rash choices, purchasing items without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks and putting off deadlines, or having difficulty 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 ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so 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 find strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming them. Many of our patients tell us that once they've been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The assessment process involves an interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD, you will need to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals as it comes down to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that make them a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from various sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the test, you will be required to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess their impact on how you perform in your daily activities. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also take into consideration any other disorders you may have, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The person you speak to will be able to give you a detailed report outlining the findings of your examination and the options available for treatment, such as an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (where you pay only the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will explain their holistic plan as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to have a private assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that may explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are related to the medications you're taking.
After the evaluation your doctor will review the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Based on your needs, this could involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. Many people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration read more and help them manage time and work. Some people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their energy levels and focus.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially if they are from the minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly if you don't have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their conditions have on their lives. They don't always realize the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these may lead to other problems, such as anxiety, depression or alcohol or drug addiction.
This article highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no guarantee that their GP will sign a'shared care agreement' which will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean being required paying for private medication and CBT therapy or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're thinking of working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking on their website or contacting them to make sure they have the knowledge you require. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
It is essential to select the best psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones to prescribe medication if necessary. 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may feel more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients with kinks.