How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to provide them.

A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has sparked concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.

Diagnosis

You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also be able to access NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).

The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain traits on occasion, those who have ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being restless. It may also include problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on work that require attention, avoiding 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.

While many adults feel apprehensive about getting an ADHD diagnosis, it's imperative to do so to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.

The assessment process involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview. During your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are highly adept at helping you feel relaxed and at ease.

The Assessment

As an adult with ADHD is required to undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.

A specialist will use an organized interview to collect as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration the information gathered from various sources and determine an appropriate diagnosis based on 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 reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as they may present symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.

A friend, family member or partner will be questioned as part of the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine if they affect your work and relationships.

The expert you meet with will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the results of your evaluation and what options are available for treatment, including a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay only the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will explain their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.

Treatment

Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or refuse a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor will also be able tell you if you have other mental health issues that might cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are related to the medications you're taking.

Once the assessment is completed your doctor will then discuss your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Based on your specific needs, this may involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that help to improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.

Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include practical strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes, which can help to improve their energy levels and focus.

Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly if they are from a minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.

Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.

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 problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks can 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 strategies for coping that allow them to function below their potential, but these could lead to issues like anxiety and depression as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.

This story highlights the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many people to receive the treatment they require. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' which will allow them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following an official diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.

It is important to ensure that any health professional you're considering working with has a good track experience working with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking at their website or contacting them to make sure that they have the experience you need. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with read more ADHD).

Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if needed. 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.

You should also think about your personal preferences when choosing a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some individuals prefer someone who is of their gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with the kink client.