How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics provide unreliable assessments. This has led to some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to go through a complete exam by a psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only person who can provide you with an official diagnosis for medication. This is crucial since a formal diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, and to get access to NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these characteristics on occasion, those with ADHD will often demonstrate these to a greater extent than others. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, inability to sit still or feeling restless, and may also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on work and putting off deadlines, or finding it difficult 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 to seek a diagnosis. However, this is essential to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to aid you in conquering these. After being diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and their impact on your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely adept at helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
Assessment
You'll need to go through an exhaustive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. This must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, as it is their specific abilities and knowledge that define them as an expert.
A specialist will use an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and the length of time you've been experiencing them for. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the examination, 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 function in your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed exercises. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned during the assessment. This is to get further evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships and work.
The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist doctor, who will confirm or denial a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor will also be able to tell you if you have other mental health issues that might cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
After the examination your doctor will review the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Based on the specific needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their energy levels and focus.
Some adults may have a harder time getting an diagnosis for ADHD particularly those who belong to an ethnic minority. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or be denied treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and website treatment can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unaware of the impact of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these could result in other problems, such as anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug abuse.
This story demonstrates the need to seek an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their physician will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track of experience working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm if they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also inquire whether they've treated comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor who has specialized 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people may feel more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.