How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has led to some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to go through a complete assessment by a psychiatrist. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official diagnosis for the use of medication. This is crucial because a valid diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working and to get access to NHS medications.
Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone has some of these characteristics occasionally however, those with ADHD often show them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior may include making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD is characterized by difficulty staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination 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 help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to aid you in conquering them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are adept at helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
Assessment
You'll have to undergo a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before being diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as an expert.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing techniques to gather as much information about your symptoms as they can, including how they affect your relationships with others, and for how long. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment you will be asked to take tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine their impact on how you function in your daily life. You could 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 comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from, as they may present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, such as someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.
The person you speak to will be able to provide you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the options available for treatment, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist doctor who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor can also inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you are on.
After the examination your doctor will review the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Based on your specific needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in attention and movements. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. It can also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.
Some adults may be more difficult to get a diagnosis for ADHD particularly those who belong to a minority group. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment because of this.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be challenging, especially when you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. Additionally they 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 struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function below their potential. However, these could lead to other problems like anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol addiction.
This article highlights the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for a lot of people to get the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but they aren't sure if their doctors will sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking at their website or contacting them to make sure they have the knowledge you require. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they are the ones who will prescribe 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 take into account your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with read more kink-allied clients.