How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and will pay private providers to give them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has caused some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a full examination by psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for medication. This is especially important since an official diagnosis is required in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone will show some of these traits on occasion, those who suffer from ADHD will often demonstrate them to a much more severe degree than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by a lack of focus or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines, or a lack of 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 to pursue an assessment. However, it's necessary in order to get the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to help you overcome these. Once diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and an in-depth clinical interview. During your examination our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
You'll need to go through an extensive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. The assessment must be performed by medical professionals who are a specialist within ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it is their specific skills and knowledge that defines them as specialist.
A doctor will conduct a structured interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and how long you've been experiencing them for. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be asked to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily functioning. You could be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed exercises. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since they may present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who is familiar with you - for example, someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The expert will provide a full explanation of the findings of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your care and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. The first step is to have a private assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are related to the medication you are on.
Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. Based on the needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of go now people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes that can aid in improving their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially in the case of the minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or even not treated.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be challenging, especially in the event that you don't have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of how you can help a variety of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their difficulties with planning, organizing and completing tasks can lead to problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these can lead to other problems, such as depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug dependence.
This article highlights the need a fantastic read for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many to receive the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medication, CBT adhd assessment uk therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always ensure that any health professional you are considering working with has a solid track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can check their website or contact them to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if visit the following post needed. Find a doctor with special 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.
It is also important to consider your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may feel more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.