How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are providing unreliable assessments. This has caused controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to go through a complete exam with psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for medication. This is important because a formal diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working, and to be able to access NHS medication.
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone displays certain characteristics on occasion, those who have ADHD tend to exhibit them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, inability to sit still or feeling restless, and may also be a problem with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior may include making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD can be identified by a lack of focus and avoiding deadlines, procrastination, or a lack of 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 reluctant to seek a diagnosis. However, it's necessary in order to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and find ways and methods to conquer them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves a discussion about your symptoms and their impact on your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam, and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD you'll need to go through an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their rank in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, in relation to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will conduct a structured interview to gather as much information as is 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 ask about your family's history of mental health and look over your medical history. The doctor will then review the information gathered from a variety of sources and determine an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily functioning. You might be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed exercises. They'll also take into consideration any other disorders you may have, as many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - such as someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they impact your work and relationships.
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 agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. The first step is to obtain an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor will also be able to inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
After the assessment your doctor will review the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on your needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Most people with ADHD receive stimulant medications to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability manage time and manage their tasks. Some people with ADHD might also benefit from dietary modifications that 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. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or even not treated.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be difficult, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People with ADHD are often unable to comprehend the impact their conditions have on their lives. They don't always realize that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function below their potential however, these strategies could lead to issues like anxiety and depression as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to access the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign a "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Always ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can check their website or phone number to confirm if they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is crucial, as they will be the one who prescribes your medication, if required. Find a doctor with special 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also consider your own personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or culture. private adhd assessments is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.