The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.
A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has caused debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is crucial because a formal diagnosis will be required to access certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to access NHS medication.
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit certain traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD will often demonstrate these to a more severe degree than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It can also indicate problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive choices, purchasing items without considering the implications or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on tasks that require attention, avoiding 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 hesitant to seek a diagnosis. But, it is important to receive the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. Many of our patients report that once they have been diagnosed, their lives are changed for the better.
The assessment process will involve a conversation about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are highly skilled at helping you to feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
You will need to undergo an exhaustive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This needs to be performed by a healthcare professional who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals as it comes down to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.
A specialist will use 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 experiencing them for. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental health and look over your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information collected from various sources and make an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the test, you will be required to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - such as a family member, partner or a friend. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships and work.
The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the results of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. they said is a private examination by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.
After the examination the doctor will go over the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on your requirements, this could mean starting medication or psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the amount of brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in the development of attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and manage their tasks. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly if they are from a minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or even not treated.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment isn't easy, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function at a level below their potential but they could lead to issues such as depression and anxiety, or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" that will allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track experience working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm they have the experience and expertise required. You can also ask whether they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones who prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor with specialized training on 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, you should also take into account your own personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with the kink client.
