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 are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving inaccurate assessments. This has led to controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals 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 essential because a formal diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to be able to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays certain characteristics at times but those with ADHD often show these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It can also indicate problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty in staying focused 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 get a diagnosis. However, it's necessary in order to get the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to aid you in conquering them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, the completion of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD, you will need to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be performed by an expert in healthcare who is an expert in ADHD. This could be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific skills and knowledge that defines them as specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then consider all the information collected from a variety of sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the examination, you will be required to take tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact they have on your perform in your daily activities. 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 look at any other comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from, as many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is in order to obtain more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships or work.
The person you speak to will be able to give you a thorough report that outlines the findings of your examination and the options available for treatment, such as a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay only the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to get an assessment in private by a specialist physician who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if you have other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medications.
After the evaluation is completed your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on your specific requirements, this could mean starting medication or psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in attention and movements. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes, which can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.
Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly in the case of a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD is like. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments isn't easy, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. Furthermore they are more likely to take part in a range of different insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities but they could lead to issues like anxiety and depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story demonstrates the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for many people to receive 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' which will allow them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them being required to pay for private medication and CBT therapy and even more costly professional coaching services.
Always ensure whether any health professional you are considering working with has a solid track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can look up their website or call them to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they are the ones who prescribes your medication, if required. 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.
When choosing https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with kink clients.