How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has sparked some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to go through a complete exam with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can give a formal diagnosis for medication. This is essential because a valid diagnosis is required to access 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 including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics at times, people with ADHD will often demonstrate these to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, inability to stay still or feel anxious, and can also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless purchases without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD is characterized by a lack of focus or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines or an inability 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 a diagnosis. However, this is important to receive the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming them. Many of our patients say that once they've been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The assessment process will involve an interview 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 a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need to go through a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their specific abilities and knowledge that define them as an expert.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information about your symptoms as possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships with others, and for how long. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information collected from a variety of sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the examination you will be asked to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact they have on your perform in your daily life. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also take into consideration any other disorders you may have, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - for example, an individual from your family, partner or friend. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships or work.
The specialist will be able to provide a full explanation of the findings of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care arrangement 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 they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to conduct a private examination by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or deny a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental more info health issues that could explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Based on your specific needs, this could involve starting medication or psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the brain's natural chemical messages like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in regulating attention and movements. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This can include practical strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD might also benefit from diet changes, which can improve their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly in the case of an ethnic minority. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be denied treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment isn't easy, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People with ADHD are often unable to comprehend the effects their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their problems in organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these can result in other problems, such as depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol addiction.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many people to get the treatment they require. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that will allow them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
Always check if the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones to prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor with 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 consider your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. For example, some people prefer an therapist who is of their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.