How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them.

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

Diagnosis

To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a full examination by a psychiatrist. While some individuals 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 treatment. This is crucial as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain 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 displays certain characteristics at times however, those with ADHD often show these characteristics in a more severe form. Hyperactive behavior can include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It may also include issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive choices, purchasing items without considering the implications or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may 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 hesitant about getting an assessment, it is vital to seek one in order to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will help you overcome them. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives alter for the better.

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

The Assessment

You'll have to undergo an extensive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This needs to be carried out by medical professionals who are a specialist within ADHD. This could be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals is as it comes down to their particular abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.

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

During the examination, you will be required to take tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also assess the impact they have on your function in your daily life. You may be asked to answer questions about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed activities. They will also consider any other disorders you may have, as many of them may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD.

The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who knows you well, such as someone from your family, a partner adhd private assessment uk or a close friend. This is done to gather more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to see if they are impacting your relationships or work.

The specialist will be able to provide you with a thorough explanation of the findings of the assessment, and 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 present their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.

Treatment

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

Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications that help to improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, such as norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively.

Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. These can include strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability manage time and work. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their energy levels and focus.

Some adults are more likely to struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially if they are from a minority group. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. These groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.

Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be challenging, especially when you don't have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. Additionally they are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans and have interns and residents in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.

Support

People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties with planning, organising and completing tasks lead to problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are 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 capacity however, these strategies could lead to issues like anxiety and depression, or alcohol or drug abuse.

This story highlights the importance of seeking 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 healthcare but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" which would permit them to return back to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This can lead to them having to paying for private medication and CBT therapy or even more expensive professional coaching services.

You should always check that any health professional you are considering working with has a positive track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm they have the expertise needed. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).

Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they will be the one who will prescribe your medication, if required. 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.

It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people are more comfortable with someone who is of their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with kink clients.