How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are handing out unreliable health assessments. This has sparked controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to undergo a thorough assessment by psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis for treatment. This is crucial since a formal diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to be able to access NHS medications.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone has certain traits at times but those with ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, inability to stay still or feel uneasy, and could also be a problem with planning and organisation. Insane behavior may include making rash purchases without considering the implications or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD is characterized by difficulty in staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines or an inability ability to think 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 about having an ADHD diagnosis, it's vital to seek one to get the assistance and treatment you require. 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 report that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The assessment process will involve an interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. During your examination, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.
Assessment
You will need to undergo an extensive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique abilities and knowledge that define them as 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 suffering from them for. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information gathered from various sources and make an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily activities. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed exercises. They will also take into account any other conditions you might be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who knows you well - such as a family member, partner or friend. This is to get further confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships or work.
private adhd assessment adults will give you a detailed account of the results of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to get an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically 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 could explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Based on your specific needs, this could involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to help improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This can include practical strategies to reduce stress and help them manage time and manage their tasks. Some people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can aid in improving their energy levels and concentration.
Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining the diagnosis of ADHD particularly those who belong to minorities. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be challenging, especially when you do not have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics which take into consideration financial concerns. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their condition has on their lives. They don't always realize the fact that their struggles with planning, organising and completing tasks lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities, but these can lead to problems like anxiety and depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they need. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no guarantee that their GP will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that will allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
It is important to ensure whether any health professional you are considering working with has a positive track experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can look up their website or call them to confirm if they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also inquire whether they've treated comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. Choose a doctor that has completed specialized training for adults with 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 instance, some individuals will be more comfortable with an therapist who is their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with kink clients.