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 are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has caused concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for treatment. This is important because a formal diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, including flexible working, and to access NHS medications.
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone displays certain traits on occasion however, those with ADHD tend to exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, unable to sit still or feeling restless, and may also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble keeping a focus on tasks, procrastinating, missing 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 full report feel apprehensive about getting an assessment, it is essential that you do so to receive the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an examination of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo a thorough examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be 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 nurses cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals is as it comes down to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use a structured interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your family mental health history as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from various sources and determine a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment you will be asked to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you function in your daily life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed activities. They will also consider any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with someone who knows you well, such as someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The specialist you meet with will be able give you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the options available for treatment, including a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay only the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will outline their holistic plan as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is a private examination by a specialist doctor who will confirm or deny a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that could explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
Once the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss the results with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on your needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and manage their tasks. Some people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can improve their energy levels and concentration.
Some adults may have a harder time getting an diagnosis for ADHD in particular if they belong to a minority group. Some 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. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their condition has on their lives. They don't realize that their issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these may cause other issues, such as depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug addiction.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' which will allow them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean being required to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you're considering working with has a good track experience working with adults with ADHD. You can check their website or contact them to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if needed. Find a doctor with 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, you must also be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or culture. You may also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with the kink client.