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How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private companies for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics are handing out unreliable assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to go through a complete examination by a psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for the use of medication. This is important because a valid diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, like flexible working, as well as to get access to NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays certain traits at times, those who have ADHD often show them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behavior can include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive choices, purchasing items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD can be characterized by difficulty in staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination, 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.
Although many adults are nervous about getting an ADHD diagnosis, it's imperative to do so to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. Get More can also help you understand the symptoms and provide ways and methods to conquer them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online test and a detailed interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are highly skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult with ADHD is required undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This must be carried out by medical professionals who are an expert in ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique abilities and knowledge that define them as an expert.
A specialist will conduct an organized interview to collect as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also ask about the mental health history of your family members and review your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety of sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be required to complete tests designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as many of them can present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they impact your work and relationships.
The expert you meet with will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment 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 cost). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your care and will go over 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 have an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are any other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medication.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on your needs, this may involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in attention and movements. Most people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include strategies that can reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from diet changes that improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to an ethnic minority. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this.
Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially when you don't have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take consideration financial concerns. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns in training that can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to comprehend the effects their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function below their potential. However, these may result in other problems like depression, anxiety and 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 many people to get the treatment they need. Some people pay for private healthcare but they aren't sure if their GPs will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them being required paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own and even more costly specialist coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm that they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication if needed. Find a doctor with special 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 selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people might be more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.