How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them with.

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

Diagnosis

You will need to see a psychiatrist for a full evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for the use of medication. This is important since a formal diagnosis will be required to access certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.

The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain traits at times, people with ADHD are likely to show these to a more extensive degree than other people. The signs of hyperactivity include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive purchases without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD can be identified by difficulty in staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines or adults with ADHD an inability 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 get an assessment. However, this is essential to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will help you overcome these. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.

The assessment process will involve a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test, and an in-depth clinical interview. During your assessment our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are adept at helping you feel relaxed and at ease.

The Assessment

You'll need to go through an exhaustive 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 a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, in relation to their particular abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.

A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from various sources and formulate a diagnosis for adhd in adults in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.

During the examination, you will be required to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact they have on your perform in your daily activities. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from as many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.

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

The expert will provide a full explanation of the findings of the evaluation, as well as the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication they believe is appropriate.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor will also be able determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that might be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking.

After the evaluation your doctor will review the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Depending on the requirements of each person you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the brain's natural chemical messages like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in attention and movements. When the medication is used frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.

Adults with ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This can also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.

Some adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially in the case of the minority group. This is due to the fact that 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 due to this.

Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly when you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. Furthermore they are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.

Support

People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact their condition has on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these could cause other issues, such as depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug dependence.

This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private health care but they aren't sure if their GPs will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.

Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has worked with adults who have ADHD. You can visit their website or contact them to confirm that they have the expertise needed. You can also inquire if they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).

It is important to choose the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because 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 take into account your own personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.