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 for answers and are willing to pay private companies to provide them.

However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are providing unreliable health assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.

Diagnosis

You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for medication. This is important because a valid diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, like flexible working and to access NHS medications.

Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone displays certain characteristics at times however, those with ADHD tend to exhibit them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without considering the implications or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on work 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.

While many adults feel apprehensive about seeking a diagnosis, it is vital to seek one in order to receive the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients report 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. In your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.

Assessment

If you are an adult with ADHD is required to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.

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

During the assessment you will be asked to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact they have on your perform in your daily activities. You may be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and click here other tests such as puzzles or timed activities. They will also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.

A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is in order to obtain more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships or work.

The specialist you meet with will be able to give you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the available options for treatment, such as an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay only the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will explain their recommended holistic plan for your care and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.

Treatment

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

After the examination the doctor will go over the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on the needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication regularly.

Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to reduce stress and help them manage time and work. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their energy levels and concentration.

Certain adults might be more difficult to get a diagnosis for ADHD, especially if they belong to minorities. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment because of this.

Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be challenging, especially in the event that you don't have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into the financial aspects. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.

Support

People suffering from ADHD are often unable to comprehend the impact their conditions have on their lives. They aren't aware of the fact that their difficulties with planning, organizing and completing tasks could cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that allow them to function at a level below their potential but they can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety or alcohol or drug abuse.

This story highlights the need to seek an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private health care but aren't guaranteed that their doctors will sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.

Make sure to ask if the health professional you're working with has experience working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking on their website or calling them to ensure they have the knowledge you need. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).

It is important to choose the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who 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.

You should also consider your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people prefer someone who is their gender or culture. You may also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with clients with kinks.