How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

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

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

Diagnosis

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to go through a complete exam by psychiatrist. While some people get 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 medication. This is crucial as a formal diagnosis is necessary in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by a Psychiatrist).

The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone will show some of these traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD tend to display these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactive behavior can include fidgeting or being restless. It can also indicate problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can include reckless purchases without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD is characterized by difficulty in staying focused, procrastination, missing deadlines, or a lack of 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 about getting an assessment, it is vital to seek one in order to receive the support 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 deal with them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.

The assessment process will involve 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. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.

The Assessment

As an adult with ADHD is required to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychiatrist, psychologist or nurse (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, in relation to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.

A specialist will use an organized interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and the length of time you've been experiencing them for. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.

During the assessment you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact they have on your function in your daily life. You could be asked to answer questions about your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed activities. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from, as they may have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.

A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed as part of the assessment. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your work and relationships.

The expert you meet with will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the results of your evaluation and the options available to treat your condition, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your care and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to have a private evaluation by a specialist doctor, who can either confirm or deny a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are any other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medications.

After the examination the doctor will go over the results and suggest a plan of treatment. Based on the specific requirements of each person, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs 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 a crucial part in regulating attention and movement. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication on a regular basis.

Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their concentration and energy levels.

Certain adults might be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD, especially those who belong to an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be not treated.

Finding affordable treatments and evaluations isn't easy, especially if you don't have insurance. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.

Support

People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function lower than their capabilities, but these could lead to issues such as depression and anxiety or addiction to alcohol or drugs.

This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.

It is important to ensure whether any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can do this by checking up their website, or contacting them to ensure that they have the expertise you require. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).

Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they will be the one who prescribes your medication, if required. Find a doctor who has completed 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 choosing a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people might be more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to adhd assessment psychiatrist work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.