How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private companies for their services.

However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are providing unreliable assessments. This has caused debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.

Diagnosis

You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is important since a formal diagnosis will be required to access certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to be able to access NHS medication.

The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally, those with ADHD tend to display these traits to a greater extent than others. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can involve making decisions that are reckless, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD is characterized by difficulty in staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines or an inability ability to think ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.

While many adults feel apprehensive about seeking a diagnosis, it is vital to seek one to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and find ways and methods to conquer them. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.

The assessment process will involve an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical 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 have to undergo an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their unique skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.

A specialist will use an organized interview to collect as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information collected from various sources and make an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.

During the test during the assessment, you will be required to take tests that are designed to measure 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 and sometimes tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.

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

The expert you meet with will be able give you a detailed report outlining the findings of your examination and what options are available for treatment, including an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you only pay the NHS prescription cost). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.

Treatment

Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to get a private assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if you have other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms or whether they are caused by medications.

After the assessment here the doctor will go over the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Based on your needs, this could involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that help to improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.

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

Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this.

Finding affordable evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially if you don't have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics which take into the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.

Support

People with ADHD are often unable to comprehend the effects their conditions have on their lives. They don't always realize that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to not understand the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function below their potential but they could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression as well as the use of alcohol or drugs.

This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but they aren't sure if their doctors will sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them being required paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.

You should always check whether any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can visit their website or phone number to confirm that they have the experience and expertise required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).

Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. Look for 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.

It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. For example, some people are more comfortable with someone who is of their gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.