How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

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

However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are handing out unreliable assessments. This has led to debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.

Diagnosis

You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis for medication. This is crucial because a valid diagnosis will be required to access certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medication.

The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone will show certain traits on occasion, those with ADHD will often demonstrate these to a greater extent than others. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, inability to sit still or feeling uneasy, and could also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior may include making decisions that are reckless, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD can be identified by a lack of focus and avoiding deadlines, procrastination, 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.

Many adults are reluctant to pursue a diagnosis. 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 recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming these. Once diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.

The process of assessment involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. During your examination, our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel comfortable and at ease.

The Assessment

You will need to undergo an exhaustive assessment as an adult with ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.

A specialist will employ structured interviews to collect as much information about your symptoms as is possible and how they impact your relationships with others and how long they last. They will also inquire about the mental health history of your family members and review your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information gathered from a variety of sources before determining an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.

During the assessment process you will be required to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily functioning. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.

A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships or work.

The expert will give you a detailed account of the findings of the assessment, and the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.

Treatment

Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist doctor, who will confirm or denial a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medications you're taking.

After the examination, your clinician will discuss the results and check here suggest a plan of treatment. Depending on the needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve 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 attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.

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

Certain adults might be more difficult to get the diagnosis of ADHD in particular those who belong to a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be refused treatment.

Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly when you do not have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into consideration financial concerns. Additionally these clinics are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.

Support

People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these can result in other problems, such as anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug dependence.

This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' which will allow them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own and even more costly specialist coaching services.

You should always check whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can visit their website or call them to confirm that they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also inquire if they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).

It is essential to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, because they will be the ones who will prescribe medication if 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.

You should also consider your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people might be more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.