How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private companies to provide them with.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a thorough exam with 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 that is recognized for medication. This is especially important since an official diagnosis is required for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone displays certain traits on occasion however, those with ADHD often show these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It could also be accompanied by problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on work that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or finding it difficult 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 an assessment. However, it's important to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. During your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD, you will need undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. private adult adhd assessment uk could be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviews to collect as much information about your symptoms as is possible and how they impact you and your relationships, and for how long. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental health and examine your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the examination you will be asked to take tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. You might be asked to complete questionnaires regarding 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 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 assessment. This is done to gather more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The expert will provide a full explanation of the results of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. The first step is to obtain a private assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are any other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medication.
After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest a plan of treatment. Based on the requirements of each patient, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. 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 an important role in regulating attention and movements. When the medication is used regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and efficiently.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and manage their tasks. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.
Certain adults might have a harder time getting an diagnosis for ADHD, especially if they belong to minorities. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations isn't easy, especially in the event that you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these can lead to other problems like anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug abuse.
This article highlights the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare but are not guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This could result in them being required to pay for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the right psychiatrist or therapy, since they are the ones who will prescribe medication if necessary. 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when choosing a psychiatrist or therapist. For example, some people will be more comfortable with an therapist who is of their gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with clients with kinks.