How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them with.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to undergo a full exam by psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for medication. This is important because a formal diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to be able to access NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain traits at times, those who have ADHD often show these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can involve making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks and putting off deadlines, or having difficulty 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 pursue a diagnosis. However, this is essential to receive the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of an examination of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel at ease.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This must be performed by medical professionals who are an expert in ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique skills and knowledge that defines them as a specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information about your symptoms as they can, including how they affect you and your relationships, and for how long. They will also review your medical history and ask about your the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and make a diagnose in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily activities. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other disorders you may have, as many of them can present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. 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 assessment, and the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to have a private evaluation by a specialist doctor who will confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can here also inform you if you have other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medications.
Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest a treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each person you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in attention and movement. Once the medication is taken frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and help them manage time and work. Some people with ADHD may benefit from dietary changes that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults may be more difficult to get a diagnosis for ADHD particularly if they belong to an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be difficult, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into the financial aspects. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks could cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function below their capacity, but these can cause problems such as depression and anxiety or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an 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 are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to paying for private treatment and CBT and even more costly specialist coaching services.
You should always check that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones who prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor who has specialized training in 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 choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.