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

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

Diagnosis

You'll need to visit a psychiatrist for a full evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for treatment. This is especially important since a formal diagnosis is necessary in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to get access to NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by psychiatrists).

The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics occasionally but those with ADHD often show these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being agitated. It can also indicate issues with planning and organization. Insane behavior may include making rash choices, purchasing items without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD can be identified by a lack of focus or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines or an inability 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 seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's 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 understand your symptoms and help you find ways and methods to conquer them. Many of our patients tell us that once they have been diagnosed, their lives are changed to the better.

The assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they affect your life, the taking of the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel comfortable.

Assessment

As an adult suffering from ADHD is required to go through an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as an expert.

A specialist will use an organized interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then consider all the information collected from various sources and determine an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.

During the assessment process you will be asked to complete tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily activities. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also take into consideration any other comorbid disorders that you may have, as many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.

The assessment will also include an interview with someone who knows you well, such as an individual from your family, partner or a friend. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships and work.

The expert will provide a full explanation of the outcome of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.

Treatment

Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to obtain a private assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you are on.

Once the assessment is completed the doctor will review the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on your needs, this could involve starting medication or psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication regularly.

Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability to manage time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can improve their concentration and energy levels.

Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have website their ADHD misdiagnosed or even refused treatment.

Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.

Support

People suffering from ADHD are often unable to comprehend the impact their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware 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 impact of ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function at a level below their potential but they can cause problems such as depression and anxiety, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.

This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for many to receive the treatment they require. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will sign a'shared care agreement' that will allow them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them having to to pay for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.

Make sure to ask if the health professional you're working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can check this by looking on their website or by calling them to confirm that they have the expertise you need. You can also inquire whether they've treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).

It is important to choose the best psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor with specialized training in 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 selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. For example, some people will be more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is of their gender or cultural. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.