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How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private companies to provide them with.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has led to concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can give a formal diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required for access to 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 that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone has certain traits at times however, those with ADHD tend to exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. 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 seek a diagnosis. However, this is important to receive the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming these. Once diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. During your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are competent in helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
You'll need to go through an extensive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This must be carried out by medical professionals who are a specialist within ADHD. This could be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their rank in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it comes down to their specific capabilities, experience, and knowledge that make them a specialist.
A specialist will utilize structured interviewing to collect as much information on your symptoms as possible and how they impact your relationships and you and how long. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment you will be required to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily life. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed exercises. They'll also take into consideration any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
A family member, friend or partner will be questioned during the assessment. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships or work.
The expert will be able provide a full explanation of the findings of the evaluation, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist doctor, who can either confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are any other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms or if they are caused by medication.
After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and suggest a plan of treatment. Based on your needs, this may involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, most people find their symptoms improve quickly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This can also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can aid in improving their energy levels and concentration.
Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially in the case of a minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be denied treatment.
Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly if you don't have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their problems with organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to be unaware of the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these may cause other issues, such as depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug dependence.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for a lot of people to access the treatment they require. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no guarantee that their GP will sign a'shared care agreement' that will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
You should always check that any health professional you're considering working with has a good track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can do this by checking up their website, or by calling them to confirm that they have the expertise you require. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they will be the one who prescribes your medication in the event of need. Look for 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.
You should also think about your personal preferences when selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may feel more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. You may also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with the kink client.