How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will 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 concern over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is especially important since the need for a formal diagnosis is essential in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone will show some of these characteristics on occasion, those who suffer from ADHD will often demonstrate these traits to a greater extent than others. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, inability to remain still, or feeling uneasy, and could also be a problem with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD is characterized by a lack of focus 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 reluctant to pursue an assessment. However, it's essential to receive the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering them. Many of our patients say that once they've been diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.
The assessment process involves a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. During your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely competent in helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
Assessment
As an adult with ADHD, you will need to go through an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. 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 pecking-order of healthcare professionals, as it is their unique skills and knowledge that defines them as a specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information about your symptoms as possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships with others and how long. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and review 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 assessment process, you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily life. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed exercises. They will also consider any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well - for example, an individual from your family, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The expert you meet with will be able to give you a thorough report that outlines the findings of your examination and the available options for treatment, such as the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic plan and any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting the diagnosis. The first step is to conduct a private assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medications.
After the examination the doctor will go over the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Based on your specific requirements, this could mean starting medication or psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that help to improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key role in the development of attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes, which can help to improve their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD in particular when they are part of an ethnic minority. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. These people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or be not treated.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics which take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware the fact that their struggles in organising, planning and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these could lead to other problems, such as anxiety, depression or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are private adhd assessment uk waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many to receive the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but they aren't sure if their doctors will sign a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
You should always check that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track record of working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can do this by checking on their website or contacting them to confirm that they have the experience you require. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is crucial to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who will prescribe medication when needed. Choose a doctor that 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 choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, it is important to be aware of your personal preferences. For instance, some people will be more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with kink clients.