How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and are willing to pay private companies to provide them.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has led to controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a thorough examination with psychiatrist. While some people get 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 essential because a valid diagnosis will be required to access certain workplace protections, including flexible working, and to access NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain traits at times, people who suffer from ADHD tend to display them to a much more extensive degree than other people. The signs of hyperactivity include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organization. Insane behavior may include making rash purchases without considering the implications or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD is characterized by difficulty in staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination 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 get an assessment. However, this is essential to receive the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to deal with them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel at ease.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo an extensive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, because it is their specific capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to collect as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and examine your medical history. The specialist will then consider all the information gathered from a variety of sources before determining 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 determine their impact on your daily functioning. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other disorders you may have, as they may present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - for example, an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The specialist you meet with will be able give you a detailed report outlining the findings of your examination and what options are available for treatment, including a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription cost). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to get an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that might cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are related to the medication you're taking.
After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Based on your needs, this could involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Most website people with ADHD take stimulant medication to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key role in attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from a program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD can benefit from dietary changes that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly if they are from a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be refused treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take 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 who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their conditions have on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function at a lower level than they could. However, these can result in other problems, such as depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug addiction.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many to get the treatment they need. Some people pay for private health care but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm that they have the experience and expertise required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they will be the one who prescribes your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor who has 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. Some people might be more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with kink clients.