How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

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

However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has sparked controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.

Diagnosis

You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can provide you with an official diagnosis for the use of medication. This is important because a valid diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to get access to NHS medications.

Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally, those who have ADHD often show these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on tasks, 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.

Many adults are reluctant to seek an assessment. However, this is essential to receive the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.

The assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam and a detailed interview. During your examination, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly adept at helping you feel at ease and comfortable.

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 carried out by a healthcare professional who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as a specialist.

A specialist will use structured interviews to collect as much information on your symptoms as is possible, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long they last. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and look over your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.

During the test, you will be required to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal their impact on how you perform in your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots as well as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also take into account any other conditions you might be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.

The assessment will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - such as a family member, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.

The expert will be able provide you with a thorough explanation of the findings of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting an assessment. The first step is to have an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience with neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if there are any other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medication.

After the examination, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest a plan of treatment. Depending on your needs, this may involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, such as norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in regulating attention and movements. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.

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

Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly in the case of the minority group. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or be refused treatment.

Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.

Support

People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties with planning, organising 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 might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function at a level below their potential, but these can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression, or alcohol or drug abuse.

This story emphasizes the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many people to get the treatment they require. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will agree to a 'shared care agreement' which will allow them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to continue paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.

Always verify that the health professional you're considering working with has experience working with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking on their website or contacting them to confirm that they have the experience you need. You can also inquire whether they've treated comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).

It is essential to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor who has 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 consider your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. For example, some people are more website comfortable with someone who is of their gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.