How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to give them with.

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

Diagnosis

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a full examination with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).

The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally however, those with ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive decisions, buying items without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble keeping a focus on tasks that require attention, avoiding 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.

Although many adults are nervous about getting an ADHD diagnosis, it's vital to seek one in order to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to overcome them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.

The assessment process involves an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. During your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are highly skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.

Assessment

If you are an adult with ADHD, you will need to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This must be carried out by an expert in healthcare who is a specialist in ADHD. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.

A specialist will use structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information on your symptoms as possible and how they impact you and your relationships, and for how long. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and look over your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.

During the examination you will be asked to take tests that are that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact they have on your function in your daily life. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed activities. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.

The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well - such as an individual from your family, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.

The specialist you meet with will be able give you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the options available to treat your condition, including an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (where you pay just the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting an assessment. The first step is to get a private assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or deny the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that might be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.

After the examination, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Depending on your needs, this may involve beginning psychotherapy or how much for a private adhd assessment medication. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key role in attention and movement. Once the medication is taken frequently, many people notice that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.

Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include practical strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability manage time and manage their tasks. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their energy levels and concentration.

Certain adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly in the case of an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or be denied treatment.

Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be challenging, especially in the event that you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.

Support

People with ADHD are often unable to comprehend the impact their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their difficulties with planning, organizing and completing tasks could cause problems at work or relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function below their capacity however, these strategies could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.

This story demonstrates the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but they aren't sure if their doctors will sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.

You should always check whether any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track experience working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or call them to confirm if they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).

Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they will be the one who will prescribe your medication if needed. Find a doctor with 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 choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you should also take into account your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with the kink client.