How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics provide inaccurate assessments. This has caused controversy and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only person who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for treatment. This is crucial as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also get access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone has some of these characteristics occasionally but those with ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It can also indicate issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on work, 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 many adults feel apprehensive about having an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so in order to receive the help and treatment 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 help you find strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients report that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The assessment process consists of an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the completion of the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are competent in helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD you'll need to go through a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by medical professionals who are an expert in ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing to gather as much information about your symptoms as is possible, including how they affect you and your relationships, and for how long. They will also inquire about the mental health history of your family members and look over your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration the information gathered from various sources and make an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process you will be asked to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily activities. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at 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 during the assessment. This is done to gather more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.
The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the results of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). see it here will present their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or deny a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to tell you if you have other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on your needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to alleviate their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes, which can help to improve their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even refused treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take account finances. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice that their difficulties with planning, organising and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these may cause other issues, such as anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug abuse.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to return back to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This could mean having to continue paying for private medication and CBT therapy or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can check this by looking on their website or contacting them to make sure they have the knowledge you require. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if needed. Find 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 choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also take into account your own personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.