How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

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

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

Diagnosis

You will need to see a psychiatrist for a full evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have 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 treatment. This is crucial as an official diagnosis is required to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to gain access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).

Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics on occasion however, those with ADHD often show these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also be a problem with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or having difficulty 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 important to receive the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. Many of our patients report that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.

The assessment process involves an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel relaxed.

Assessment

You'll need to go through a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before being diagnosed. The assessment must be carried out by medical professionals who are a specialist within ADHD. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter what their rank in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it comes down to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.

A specialist will employ structured interviewing to collect as much information about your symptoms as they can, including how they affect your relationships with others, and for how long. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor will then review all the information gathered from various sources and make a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.

During the assessment process you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily functioning. You may be asked to complete questionnaires regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests such as puzzles or timed activities. They'll also look at any other disorders you might have, since many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.

The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well - such as an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is in order to obtain more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see how they impact your relationships and work.

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

Treatment

Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to obtain a private assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists who have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms or if they are caused by medications.

After the examination your doctor will review the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important role in attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.

Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Some people suffering from ADHD can benefit from dietary changes that can boost their energy levels.

Certain adults might have a harder time getting an diagnosis for ADHD, especially when they are part of an ethnic minority. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this.

Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment isn't easy, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.

Support

People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their difficulties with planning, organizing and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be check here able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform less than their potential. However, these can lead to other problems like anxiety, depression or alcohol or drug addiction.

This story emphasizes the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for a lot of people to get the treatment they need. Some pay for private health care but they aren't sure if their GPs will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement" which would permit them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them being required to pay for private medication and CBT therapy or even more expensive professional coaching services.

It is important to ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a good track experience working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm they have the expertise needed. You can also ask whether they've dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).

Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they will be the one who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. 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.

It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people might be more comfortable working with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.