How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and will pay private companies to provide them.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics are handing out inaccurate assessments. This has sparked concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only one who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for treatment. This is crucial since a formal diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to access NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three most common symptoms of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these traits at times, people who suffer from ADHD are likely to show these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It may also include problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making decisions that are reckless, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD can be identified by a lack of focus, procrastination, missing deadlines 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 seek a diagnosis. But, it is important to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in 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 say that once they've been diagnosed, their lives alter 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 extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. During your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely competent in helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. This needs to be carried out by a healthcare professional who is a specialist in ADHD. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it is their specific skills and knowledge that defines them as specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviews to gather as much information about your symptoms as is possible, including how they affect your relationships with others and how long they last. They will also go over your medical history and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then take into consideration the information gathered from various sources and determine an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the test, you will be required to take tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. These may check here include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from since they may have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is done to gather more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. 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
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to conduct a private examination by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medication.
After the assessment your doctor will review the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on your specific needs, this may involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the supply of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can aid in improving their concentration and energy levels.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining the diagnosis of ADHD particularly those who belong to a minority group. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even not treated.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment isn't easy, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into account. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks lead to problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function lower than their capabilities but they can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression as well as the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story demonstrates the need to seek an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they require. Some people pay for private healthcare, but they aren't sure if their doctors will sign a "shared care agreement" which would permit them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This can lead to them having to paying for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Always ensure that any health professional you are considering working with has a solid track record of working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can check this by looking up their website, or calling them to confirm that they have the expertise you need. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is crucial, as they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if needed. Look for a doctor who 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.
When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also be aware of your personal preferences. For instance, some individuals are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is their gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with the kink client.