How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has led to some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full examination with psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone will show certain traits at times, people who suffer from ADHD tend to display them to a much more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive purchases without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be identified by difficulty in staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination, or a lack of 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 hesitant about getting an ADHD diagnosis, it's imperative to do so to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms, and find strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment involves an examination of your symptoms and how they affect your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly competent in helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A specialist will conduct a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then review the information gathered from various sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the examination during the assessment, you will be required to take tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact they have on your perform in your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from since they may have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who is familiar with you - for example, a family member, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The person you speak to will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and what options are available for treatment, including an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (where you pay only the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will explain their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty getting a diagnosis. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist physician who will confirm or deny a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are any other mental health conditions that could cause your symptoms or if they are caused by medication.
After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Based on your requirements, this could mean starting medication or psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important part in regulating 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 might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. It can include strategies that can reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and assignments. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from an ethnic minority. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly if you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into consideration financial concerns. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to take part in a range of different insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that allow them to function below their capacity however, these strategies can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression as well as the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that allows them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you are considering working with has a positive track record of working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm that they have the experience and expertise required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the best here psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones who will prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor who 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 be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with the kink client.