How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private companies to provide them with.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics provide unreliable health assessments. This has led to controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to undergo a thorough assessment with psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is crucial because a valid diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, and to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone will show some of these characteristics on occasion, those with ADHD tend to display these to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling anxious, and can also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be identified by a lack of focus or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines, 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 pursue a diagnosis. But, it is essential to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and an extensive clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD is required to undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to 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 a specialist.
A specialist will use an organized interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, 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 specialist will then review all the information collected from various sources and formulate a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment you will be required to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed as part of the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic plan as well as any medication they feel is 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 physician who will confirm or denial a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if you have other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medication.
Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your specific requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's natural chemical messages, like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. Many people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. iampsychiatry.uk can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD might benefit from dietary changes that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to the minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD is like. They are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or to be refused treatment.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly when you do not have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects their condition has on their lives. They don't realize that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these may lead to other problems like depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol dependence.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to access 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 allows them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them being required to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has worked with adults who have ADHD. You can visit their website or contact them to confirm that they have the experience and expertise required. You can also ask whether they've treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones who will prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor who has completed specialized training for adults with 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 selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to consider your own personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with kink clients.