How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services.

A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has led to concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.

Diagnosis

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to go through a complete examination by psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a formal diagnosis for medication. This is crucial since a formal diagnosis is required to access certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.

Instability, hyperactivity, and assessment inattention are the three primary signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits certain traits on occasion, those who suffer from ADHD tend to display these traits to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, inability to sit still or feeling restless, and may also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making decisions that are reckless, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD is characterized by difficulty in staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines, or a lack of ability to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.

Although many adults are nervous about getting an assessment, it is essential that you do so to get the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients say that once they've been diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.

The assessment process involves an examination of your symptoms and their impact on your life, and the completion of the DIVA online test and a detailed interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly competent in helping you feel at ease and comfortable.

Assessment

You'll have to undergo an extensive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. This must be performed by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their rank in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, as it comes down to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.

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 how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also ask about the mental health history of your family members and look over your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information collected from various sources before determining a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.

During the test you will be asked to take tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They'll also look at any other disorders you might have, since many of them can present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.

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

The specialist you meet with will be able to provide you a detailed report outlining the outcome of your assessment and what options are available for treatment, such as an agreement to share care with your GP for medications (where you pay only the NHS prescription cost). The specialist will present their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is a private examination by a specialist doctor who can confirm or denial a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that may cause your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medications you're taking.

After the evaluation your doctor will review the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on the specific needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the brain's natural chemical messages like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a crucial role in regulating attention and movements. When the medication is used regularly, most people find their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.

Adults with ADHD might benefit from a program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and help them manage time and manage their tasks. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their energy levels.

Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to the minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or be refused treatment.

Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be difficult, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into consideration financial concerns. Additionally they are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.

Support

People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware that their problems in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function lower than their capabilities however, these strategies could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.

This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows them to go back to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean being required to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive professional coaching services.

Always ensure whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track experience working with adults with ADHD. You can visit their website or call them to confirm that they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).

It is crucial to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones to prescribe medication if necessary. Find 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 must also consider your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.