How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

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

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

Diagnosis

You'll need to consult a psychiatrist for a full assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. 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 a formally recognised diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).

Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone has some of these characteristics at times, those who have ADHD often show these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling uneasy, and could also include trouble with planning and organisation. Insane behavior may include making rash decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty 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 reluctant to get an assessment. However, it's essential to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.

The assessment process involves an interview about your symptoms and how they impact 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 with ADHD and are competent in helping you feel relaxed and at ease.

The Assessment

If you are an adult with ADHD is required to go through a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This must be performed by medical professionals who are a specialist in ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals is as it comes down to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.

A specialist will conduct an organized interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then consider the information gathered from a variety of sources and make an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.

During the process of assessment you will be required to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.

The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who knows you well - like a family member, partner or a friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they impact your work and relationships.

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

Treatment

The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are any other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms or whether they are caused by medication.

Once the test is complete, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this could involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Most people with ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.

Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to lessen frustration and help them manage time and work. Some people with ADHD may benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their energy levels.

Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to an ethnic minority. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or be denied treatment.

Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly when you don't have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. Furthermore, these clinics are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who are able to offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.

Support

People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unaware of the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function below their capacity, 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 for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to access the treatment they require. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that allows them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.

Always check if the health professional you're thinking of working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).

Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is crucial, as they are the ones who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. Look for a doctor who 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 choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you should also be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may more info be more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.