How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers for their services.

However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics provide unreliable assessments. This has led to controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.

Diagnosis

You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of medication. This is essential because a formal diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working and to be able to access NHS medication.

Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics on occasion, those who have ADHD often show these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, inability to stay still or feel restless, and may also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on work, procrastinating, missing deadlines or finding it difficult 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 seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms, and find strategies and tools to help you overcome them. Many of our patients report that after being diagnosed, their lives change to the better.

The assessment process consists of an examination of your symptoms and their impact on your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam and a detailed interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are adept at helping you feel comfortable and at ease.

The Assessment

If you are an adult with ADHD is required to go through an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted 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 is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.

A specialist will use structured interviews to collect as much information on your symptoms as possible and how they impact you and your relationships, and for how long. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The specialist will then consider all the information collected from various sources before determining an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.

During the assessment you will be asked to take tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal their impact on how you perform in your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them may have symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.

The assessment will also include an interview with a person who knows you well - like an individual from your family, partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they affect your work or relationships.

The expert you meet with will be able give you a thorough report that outlines the results of your evaluation and the options available for treatment, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you pay just the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will explain their recommended holistic plan for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.

Treatment

The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to obtain a private assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medications you're taking.

After the assessment the doctor will go over the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Depending on your needs, this could involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key part in regulating attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.

Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability to manage time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their energy levels and focus.

Some adults may have a harder time getting the diagnosis of ADHD, especially when they are part of a minority group. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.

Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be challenging, especially when you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety 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 of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks can cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function below their potential. However, these could result in other problems like depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug dependence.

This story emphasizes the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' which will allow patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to continue paying for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.

Always check if the health professional you're considering working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist check here with ADHD).

It is essential to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, as they will be the ones to prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor with special 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.

When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. For example, some people prefer someone who is of their gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients with kinks.