How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to provide them.

A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has caused concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.

Diagnosis

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a thorough assessment by a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is essential since a formal diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, including flexible working and to access NHS medications.

The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone has some of these characteristics on occasion, those who have ADHD tend to exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, unable to stay still or feel restless, and may also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without considering the implications or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD can be characterized by a lack of focus, procrastination, missing deadlines or an inability ability to think 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 to pursue an assessment. However, it's important to receive the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.

The assessment process involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online test and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel comfortable.

The Assessment

As an adult suffering from ADHD, you will need to undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as a specialist.

A specialist will use structured interviews to gather as much information about your symptoms as is possible and how they impact you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.

During the assessment process you will be required to complete tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and assess the impact they have on your daily activities. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from since many of these can present similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.

The assessment will also include an interview with someone who knows you well, such as a family member, partner or a close friend. This is to get further evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine how they impact your relationships or work.

The specialist you meet with will be able give you a comprehensive report detailing the results of your evaluation and what options are available for treatment, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay only the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will outline their holistic plan and any medication they believe to be appropriate.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting the diagnosis. The first step is to obtain a private assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that could explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you're taking.

Once the assessment is completed the doctor will review the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each person, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are website prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the amount of brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important part in regulating attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, most people find their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.

Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. It can also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD might benefit from dietary changes that can boost their energy levels.

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

Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly in the event that you do not have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor guidance.

Support

People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice the fact that their struggles in organizing, planning and completing tasks cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these could lead to other problems like anxiety, depression and alcohol or drug abuse.

This story demonstrates the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no guarantee that their GP will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to paying for CBT therapy and medication on their own or even more expensive specialist coaching services.

You should always check whether any health professional you're considering working with has a good track record of working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can visit their website or call them to confirm that they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).

Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor with special 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.

When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, it is important to consider your own personal preferences. For instance, some individuals prefer someone who is their gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with the kink client.