How To Know If You're Prepared For ADHD Diagnosis Private
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 firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving inaccurate assessments. This has sparked some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full examination with psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of medication. This is particularly important as 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 an Psychiatrist).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone displays certain characteristics at times, those who have ADHD typically exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling uneasy, and could also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD is characterized by difficulty staying focused 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 hesitant about having a diagnosis, it is imperative to do so to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you understand your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will help you overcome them. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely competent in helping you feel at ease and 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 conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their rank in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals as it comes down to their particular abilities, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships and the length of time you've been experiencing them for. They will also inquire about the mental health history of your family members and examine your medical history. The specialist will then review 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 test, you will be required to take tests that are that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine their impact on how you perform in your daily activities. You might be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed activities. They will also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with someone who knows you well, for example, someone from your family, a partner or a close friend. This is to get further confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships and work.
The specialist you meet with will be able to provide you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the options available for treatment, including an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will outline their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting the diagnosis. The first step is to have an assessment in private by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are due to medication you're taking.
After the examination your doctor will review the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Depending on your requirements, this could mean starting medication or psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a 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 assignments. Certain people with ADHD may also benefit from diet changes that can boost their energy levels.
Certain adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially in the case of the minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be refused treatment.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly when you do not have insurance. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities but they can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows them to go back to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to to pay for private treatment and CBT - or even more expensive professional coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're working with has worked with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by looking on their website or calling them to confirm they have the knowledge you need. adhd assessment uk private can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is important to choose the best psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones to prescribe 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 think about your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. For instance, some individuals prefer a psychiatrist who is of their gender or culture. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.