How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private companies for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has led to controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full assessment with a psychiatrist. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can provide you with an official diagnosis for medication. This is especially important since a formal diagnosis is necessary for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally, those with ADHD tend to display them to a much more severe degree than others. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being agitated. It can also indicate problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus 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 hesitant to seek a diagnosis. However, it's necessary in order to get the help 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 provide strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming them. Many of our patients tell us that once they've been diagnosed, their lives are changed to the better.
The assessment process involves an examination of your symptoms and their impact on your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel comfortable and at ease.
Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD, you will need to undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This needs to be carried out by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals in relation to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A doctor will conduct a structured interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information collected from a variety of sources and make an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily activities. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The specialist will be able to provide a full explanation of the results of the evaluation, as well as the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your care and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting a diagnosis. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are related to the medication you are on.
Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the specific requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance the brain's natural chemical messages like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in attention and movements. www.iampsychiatry.uk of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. These can include strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability manage time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can help to improve their energy levels and concentration.
Some adults may be more difficult to get the diagnosis of ADHD in particular when they are part of minorities. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be difficult, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. Additionally these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects their conditions have on their lives. They are often unaware the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these can result in other problems like depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug dependence.
This story demonstrates the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private healthcare but they aren't sure if their GPs will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" that would allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to to pay for private treatment and CBT and even more costly professional coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're considering working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm they have the experience and expertise required. You can also inquire whether they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication if needed. 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. For example, some people will be more comfortable with an therapist who is a member of their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.