The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services.
However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has sparked some controversy and raised concerns about the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
In order to get diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a thorough exam with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is essential because a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, and to access NHS medication.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD tend to display these to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to sit still or feeling restless, and may also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making rash decisions, purchasing items without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD can be characterized by difficulty staying focused, procrastination, missing deadlines, or a lack of ability 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 assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to aid you in conquering these. After being diagnosed, private adhd assessment cost of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.
The process of assessment will include an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test, and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. In your assessment our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly competent in helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
Assessment
You will need to undergo a thorough evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their rank in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals in relation to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.
A doctor will conduct an organized interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and look over your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information collected from various sources and formulate a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process you will be asked to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily life. You may be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from, as many of these can present similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who knows you well - like a family member, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.
The person you speak to will be able to give you a detailed report outlining the findings of your examination and the options available to treat your condition, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay just the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to obtain an assessment in private by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms or whether they are caused by medication.
After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Based on your needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important role in attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability to manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications that can boost their energy levels.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD, especially if they belong to an ethnic minority. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. The people in these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be a challenge, particularly in the event that your insurance does not cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these may result in other problems like depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug addiction.
This story demonstrates the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some people pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign an "shared care agreement" that would allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.
You should always check whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).
Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they will be the one who prescribes 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, you should also consider your own personal preferences. For example, some people are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is of their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.
