What Experts Say You Should Learn

How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private companies for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics provide inaccurate assessments. This has caused controversy and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to go through a complete assessment by a psychiatrist. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only person who can give you an official diagnosis for medication. This is crucial as an official diagnosis is required to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to be able to access NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone will show some of these characteristics occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD will often demonstrate them to a much greater extent than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It can also indicate problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on tasks, procrastinating, missing deadlines or having trouble 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 imperative to do so to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients report that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel comfortable.
Assessment
You'll need to go through an extensive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. The assessment must be performed by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist within ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, as it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
adhd private assessment will use an organized interview to collect as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information collected 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 that are designed to assess your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests like puzzles or timed exercises. They will also consider any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from, as many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, for example, an individual from your family, partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.
The person you speak to will be able give you a thorough report that outlines the results of your evaluation and the options available for treatment, including an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is a private examination by a specialist physician who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are any other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medications.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review the results with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on the needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's chemical signals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find their symptoms improve quickly and effectively.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can also include practical strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD may also benefit from diet changes that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults may have a harder time getting the diagnosis of ADHD, especially when they are part of a minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People with 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 difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function at a level lower than their capabilities but they could lead to issues like anxiety and depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the need to seek 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 access the treatment they require. Some pay for private health care but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" which would permit patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can check this by looking on their website or by calling them to ensure that they have the expertise you require. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).
Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if needed. Choose a doctor that 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 the right therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.