How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable 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 go through a complete examination with psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is important because a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays some of these characteristics at times but those with ADHD typically exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactive behavior can include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless purchases without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD is characterized by difficulty staying focused, procrastination, missing deadlines 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 hesitant about seeking an assessment, it is imperative to do so to get the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand your symptoms, and find strategies and tools to help you overcome these. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test, and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo a thorough examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This needs to be carried out by a healthcare professional who is a specialist in ADHD. 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 particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A doctor will conduct a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental health and look over your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from various sources and make a diagnose in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the examination during the assessment, you will be required to take tests that are that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since they may present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well - like an individual from your family, partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine if they affect your work or 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 contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist doctor, who will confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if you have other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms or whether they are caused by medications.
After the assessment the doctor will go over the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on the needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's chemical signals, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in attention and movements. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve quickly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that can reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and assignments. Certain people with ADHD might benefit from dietary changes that improve their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly in the case of the minority group. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about 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 can be difficult, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take finances into account. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks can lead to issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function lower than their capabilities but they can lead to problems like anxiety and depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
This article highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult website for many people to receive the treatment they require. Some pay for private healthcare, but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement" that would allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
It is important to ensure whether any health professional you are considering working with has a positive track experience working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking up their website, or calling them to make sure they have the knowledge you need. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they are the ones who prescribes your medication, if required. 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.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you should also take into account your own personal preferences. For example, some people will be more comfortable with someone who is of their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.