How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and will pay private providers to provide them with.

However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are providing inaccurate assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.

Diagnosis

In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full examination with a psychiatrist. While some people get 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 the use of medication. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to get access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).

Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally however, those with ADHD tend to exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior may include making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on work and putting off deadlines, or having trouble to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.

Although many adults are nervous about having a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so to get the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to help you overcome these. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.

The assessment process consists of a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. During your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.

Assessment

You'll need to go through a thorough examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. This must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is a specialist within ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as specialist.

A specialist 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 go over your medical background and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The specialist will then review all the information collected from various 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 evaluate your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily functioning. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from, as many of these can present similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.

The assessment will also include an interview with a person who knows you well, such as an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.

The specialist will be able to provide you with a thorough explanation of the findings of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medications.

After the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss the results with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD receive stimulant medications to alleviate their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the brain's natural chemical messages like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in attention and movements. Many people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.

Adults with ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and tasks. Some people with ADHD can benefit from dietary changes that improve their energy levels.

Some adults may have a harder time getting a diagnosis for ADHD, especially if they belong to minorities. This is because some 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 because of this.

Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be challenging, especially if you don't have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. Furthermore they are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.

Support

People with ADHD are often unable to comprehend the effects their condition has on their lives. They are often unaware the fact that their struggles in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to not understand the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these could result in other problems, such as depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug abuse.

This story demonstrates the need to seek expert diagnosis and treatment for 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 book an adhd assessment allow patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more expensive coaching services.

It is important to ensure that any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track of experience working with adults with ADHD. You can visit their website or call them to confirm they have the experience and expertise required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).

Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they will be the one who prescribes your medication if needed. Find a doctor who has 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.

You should also consider your personal preferences when selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some individuals prefer a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with kink clients.