How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.

A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided unreliable assessments. This has led to controversy and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.

Diagnosis

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to undergo a full exam by psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can give a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).

The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain traits occasionally however, those with ADHD often show these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, inability to sit still or feeling restless, and may also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on work and putting off 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 hesitant about seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to get the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming them. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change to the better.

The assessment process involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel relaxed.

The Assessment

You'll have to undergo an exhaustive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.

A specialist will employ structured interviews to gather as much information about your symptoms as is possible and how they impact your relationships with others and how long. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The doctor will then review all the information collected from various sources and determine an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.

During the assessment process you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and determine their impact on your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from since many of them can have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.

The assessment will also include an interview with a person who knows you well - like a family member, partner or friend. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships and work.

The expert you meet with will be able to provide you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the options available to treat your condition, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medication (where you only pay the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think 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 confirm or refuse a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that could explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking.

After the assessment your doctor will review the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on your specific needs, this could involve starting medication or psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that aid in reducing their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.

Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could also include practical strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people with ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can improve their energy levels and concentration.

Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD, especially if they belong to an ethnic minority. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD read more misdiagnosed or be denied treatment.

Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. Additionally they are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor guidance.

Support

People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their problems with planning, organizing and completing tasks can lead to problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function at a level lower than their capabilities, but these could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression, or alcohol or drug abuse.

This story highlights the need to seek an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some people pay for private health care but aren't guaranteed that their doctors will sign a "shared care agreement" that will allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to continue to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive specialist coaching services.

It is important to ensure that any health professional you are considering working with has a solid track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can check their website or contact them to confirm if they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).

It is crucial to select the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones to prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor who has specialized 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 selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you should also take into account your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.