How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has caused controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full exam with psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays certain characteristics at times however, those with ADHD tend to exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless purchases without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without adequate preparation. iampsychiatry.com can be characterized by difficulty 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 an assessment. However, it's important 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 help you find strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients report that once they've been diagnosed, their lives are changed for the better.
The assessment process consists of a discussion about your symptoms and their impact on your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam and an in-depth interview. During your assessment our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely adept at helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need to go through an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter how high their position in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, when it comes to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will conduct an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about the mental health history of your family 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 process you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily activities. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from, as many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well - for example, someone from your family, a partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.
The expert will provide a full explanation of the outcome of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to conduct a private examination by a specialist doctor, who can either confirm or deny a diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are any other mental health conditions that might cause your symptoms or whether they are caused by medication.
After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Depending on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that aid in reducing their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the amount of brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary changes, which can help to improve their energy levels and focus.
Certain adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from a minority group. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments isn't easy, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD are often unable to comprehend the effects their condition has on their lives. They don't realize that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to not understand the impact of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function at a level below their capacity, but these could lead to issues such as depression and anxiety, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare but they aren't sure if their GPs will agree to the terms of a "shared care agreement" which would permit them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to continue to pay for private treatment and CBT - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Always ensure that any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking on their website or by calling them to make sure that they have the experience you require. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication if needed. Find a doctor who has completed 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 selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also consider your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with clients with kinks.