The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in many patients because of the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to give them with.
adhd private assessment revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has caused some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to consult a psychiatrist for a full examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only person who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for treatment. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit certain traits at times, people who suffer from ADHD are likely to show them to a much more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, inability to remain still, or feeling uneasy, and could also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive choices, purchasing items without considering the implications or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble keeping a focus on tasks and putting off 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 about having an ADHD diagnosis, it's vital to seek one in order to receive the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will help you overcome these. Once diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test and an extensive clinical interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.
Assessment
You will need to undergo a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. This needs to be performed by medical professionals who are an expert in ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, as it is their specific capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as an expert.
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 suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical history 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 sources and make a diagnose according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the process of assessment, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily functioning. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.
The test will also include an interview with someone who knows you well, like a family member, partner or friend. This is to get further evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships or work.
The expert will be able provide a full explanation of the results of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting a diagnosis. The first step is to conduct a private assessment by a specialist physician who will confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if your symptoms are related to the medication you're taking.
After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Depending on the requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD can benefit from dietary changes that improve their energy levels.
Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly in the case of the minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. The people in these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range 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 their conditions have on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their issues with planning, organizing and completing tasks can lead to issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these could lead to other problems like anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug dependence.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no guarantee that their GP will sign a'shared care agreement' which will allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to to pay for private treatment and CBT and even more costly specialist coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track record of working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking on their website or calling them to confirm they have the knowledge you require. You can also inquire whether they've treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who prescribe medication if necessary. 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.
When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also take into account your own personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with kink clients.
