How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving inaccurate assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit a psychiatrist for a full assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is crucial as an official diagnosis is required for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone has certain traits on occasion however, those with ADHD often show these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, being unable to stay still or feel restless, and may also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive decisions, buying items without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD is characterized by a lack of focus or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines, or a lack of 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 seek an assessment. However, it's important to receive the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. www.iampsychiatry.uk can help you recognize your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming them. Many of our patients report that after being diagnosed, their lives are changed to the better.
The process of assessment will include an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel comfortable.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it is their specific skills and knowledge that defines them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from various sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the examination during the assessment, you will be required to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact they have on your perform in your daily activities. You might be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed exercises. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - such as an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships or work.
The expert will be able give you a detailed account of the findings of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting a diagnosis. The first step is to have an assessment in private by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
After the examination the doctor will go over the results and suggest a plan of treatment. Depending on your needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial part in regulating attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes, which can improve their concentration and energy levels.
Certain adults might have a harder time getting an diagnosis for ADHD particularly those who belong to minorities. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or even not treated.
Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who are able to offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware that their issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unaware of the effects of ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function below their potential. However, these could cause other issues, such as depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug abuse.
This story highlights the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they require. Some people pay for private healthcare but are not guaranteed that their GPs will agree to an "shared care agreement" which would permit them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to paying for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you are considering working with has a solid track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or call them to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if needed. Choose a doctor that 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.
You should also consider your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.