How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to receive answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them.

However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics provide inaccurate assessments. This has caused controversy 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 exam with psychiatrist. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only person who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for treatment. This is particularly important as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).

The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone displays certain traits at times, those who have ADHD often show these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organization. Insane behavior may include making rash purchases without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD can be characterized by difficulty in staying focused, procrastination, missing deadlines or 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 about getting an assessment, it is imperative to do so to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.

The assessment process involves an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and ADHD in adults an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel relaxed.

The Assessment

You'll need to go through an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.

A doctor will conduct an organized interview to collect as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also inquire about the mental health history of your family members and look over your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.

During the assessment, you will be required to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you function in your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as timed tasks or puzzles. They also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from since many of them can have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.

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

The person you speak to will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the outcome of your assessment and the available options for treatment, such as a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic plan and any medication they feel is appropriate.

Treatment

Being diagnosed with ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is to obtain an assessment in private by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms, or if your symptoms are caused by the medications you're taking.

After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on your requirements, this could mean starting medication or psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to alleviate their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication regularly.

Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD may benefit from dietary changes that improve their energy levels.

Some adults may be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD particularly those who belong to a minority group. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be denied treatment.

Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who are able to offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.

Support

People suffering from ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their conditions have on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function lower than their capabilities, but these can cause problems such as anxiety and depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.

This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to receive the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare but are not guaranteed that their GPs will agree to the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This could result in them having to paying for private treatment and CBT or even more expensive specialist coaching services.

Always verify that the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by looking up their website, or calling them to make sure they have the knowledge you need. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with adhd symptoms adults).

Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they will be the one 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.

When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you must also be aware of your personal preferences. For example, some people will be more comfortable with an therapist who is of their gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with kink clients.