What Experts In The Field Would Like You To Know

How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them with.
However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics provide inaccurate assessments. This has sparked some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit an experienced psychiatrist for a complete evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While adhd private assessment get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only person who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for medication. This is crucial as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three most common symptoms of ADHD. While everyone displays certain characteristics occasionally, those who have ADHD often show them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, inability to stay still or feel anxious, and can also be a problem with planning and organisation. Insane behavior may include making rash purchases without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on work, procrastinating, missing deadlines or having difficulty to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
While many adults feel apprehensive about seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's imperative to do so to get the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are adept at helping you feel relaxed and at ease.
The Assessment
If you are an adult with ADHD, you will need to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.
A specialist will employ structured interviews to collect as much information on your symptoms as they can and how they impact your relationships with others and how long they last. They will also inquire about the mental health history of your family members and look over your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and determine a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from, as they may present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is in order to obtain more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine how they impact your relationships or work.
The person you speak to will be able give you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and what options are available for treatment, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay just the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to have a private evaluation by a specialist physician who will confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health conditions that might cause your symptoms or whether they are caused by medications.
Once the test is complete, your clinician will discuss your results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this may involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. Most people with ADHD take stimulant medication to ease their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This can include practical strategies to lessen frustration and help them manage time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes that can aid in improving their concentration and energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially if they are from an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special 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 offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to comprehend the impact their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their issues with planning, organizing and completing tasks can lead to problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these could result in other problems, such as depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug addiction.
This article highlights the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they need. Some people pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign a "shared care agreement" that would allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This could mean having to continue paying for private treatment and CBT or even more expensive specialist coaching services.
Make sure to ask if the health professional you're working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can visit their website or call them to confirm they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist 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 choosing a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people may feel more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with the kink client.