Why Is ADHD Diagnosis Private So Effective During COVID-19

How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to give them.

However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are handing out inaccurate assessments. This has caused controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.

Diagnosis

In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full examination by a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for treatment. This is important because a valid diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working and to access NHS medication.

Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone exhibits certain traits on occasion, those who suffer from ADHD are likely to show these to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to stay still or feel anxious, and can also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on tasks, 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.

Many adults are reluctant to get a diagnosis. But, it is necessary in order to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.

The assessment process involves a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test, and an in-depth clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.

The Assessment

If you are an adult with ADHD you'll need to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be carried out by medical professionals who are an expert in ADHD. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals in relation to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.

A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information on your symptoms as possible and how they impact your relationships with others and how long. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from a variety of sources and formulate a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.

During the process of assessment you will be asked to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily functioning. You may be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests like puzzles or timed tasks. They also take into account any other conditions you might be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.

A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the evaluation. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships or work.

The specialist will be able to provide a full explanation of the results of the evaluation, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their recommended holistic plan for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.

Treatment

Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to get an assessment in private by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor can also inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are related to the medication you are on.

After the examination, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the amount of brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in 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 may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily 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 assignments. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes, which can help to improve their energy levels and focus.

Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly in the case of the minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this.

Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.

Support

People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their conditions have on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties read more in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these could lead to other problems like anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol abuse.

This article highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' which will allow them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to continue paying for private treatment and CBT - or even more expensive professional coaching services.

Always check if the health professional you're considering working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking at their website or contacting them to make sure that they have the expertise you require. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).

Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they will be the one who will prescribe your medication, if required. Find a doctor who 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.

When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to be aware of your personal preferences. For example, some people prefer someone who is of their gender or culture. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.