Your Family Will Thank You For Having This ADHD Diagnosis Private

How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.

However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics provide unreliable health assessments. This has caused controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.

Diagnosis

You'll need to visit an experienced psychiatrist for a complete evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).

Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these characteristics at times, people with ADHD tend to display them to a much more severe degree than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty in staying focused, procrastination, missing deadlines or an inability ability to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.

Although many adults are nervous about getting an assessment, it is essential that you do so to get the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients report that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.

The assessment process involves an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. During your examination, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel comfortable and at ease.

Assessment

If you are an adult with ADHD, you will need to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their rank in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals when it comes to their particular abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.

A doctor will conduct an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.

During the test during the assessment, you will be required to take tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact they have on your perform in your daily life. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed exercises. They also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.

A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.

The expert you meet with will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and what options are available for treatment, such as the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay just the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will explain their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting the diagnosis. The first step is to have a private evaluation by a specialist doctor who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are any other mental health conditions that might cause your symptoms or whether they are caused by medications.

After the examination the doctor will go over the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Based on your specific needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's chemical signals, like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in regulating attention and movements. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve quickly and effectively.

Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to lessen frustration and help them manage time and manage their tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD might also benefit from diet changes that improve their energy levels.

Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining an diagnosis for ADHD particularly those who belong to minorities. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even denied treatment.

Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly when you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.

Support

People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their problems in organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function below their potential, but these can lead to problems like anxiety and depression as well as alcohol or drug abuse.

This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they need. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that will allow them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following an official diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them being required paying more info for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive specialist coaching services.

You should always check whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can visit their website or phone number to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also inquire whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).

It is crucial to select the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor who 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.

You should also consider your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. Some people might be more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients with kinks.