How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to provide them.

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

Diagnosis

To be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to undergo a thorough examination with psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only one who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of medication. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).

Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone has certain characteristics occasionally but those with ADHD tend to exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling uneasy, and could also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD can be 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.

Many adults are reluctant to get a diagnosis. However, this is necessary in order to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients report that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.

The assessment process will involve an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and a detailed interview with a clinical psychologist. In your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.

Assessment

You'll need to go through an exhaustive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by medical professionals who are a specialist within ADHD. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals as it comes down to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.

A specialist will utilize structured interviewing to gather as much information about your symptoms as they can and how they impact your relationships with others and how long they last. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor near will then go over all the information gathered from a variety of sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.

During the process of assessment you will be asked to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily functioning. You could be asked to answer questions about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests such as puzzles or timed exercises. They'll also take into consideration any other disorders you might be suffering from, as they may present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.

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

The person you speak to will be able to provide you a detailed report outlining the findings of your examination and the available options for treatment, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay just the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your care and will go over any medication they believe is appropriate.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting the diagnosis. The first step is to conduct a private evaluation by a specialist doctor who will confirm or denial a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if you have other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms, or the cause of your symptoms is medication.

After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and suggest an approach to treatment. Based on your needs, this may involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. Most people with ADHD take stimulant medication to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's chemical signals, like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. The majority of people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication regularly.

Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability manage time and work. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from diet changes that improve their energy levels.

Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to the minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or be not treated.

Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly when you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into the financial aspects. Furthermore they are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.

Support

People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function below their capacity, but these could lead to issues like anxiety and depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.

This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private assessment for adhd healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them being required to pay for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.

Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by looking up their website, or contacting them to make sure that they have the expertise you require. You can also inquire if they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).

Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is crucial, as they will be the one who prescribes your medication, if required. Choose a doctor that has completed specialized training for adults with 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 selecting a therapist or Near psychiatrist, it is important to consider your own personal preferences. For instance, some people prefer a psychiatrist who is their gender or culture. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.