How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the strain of logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private providers to give them.

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

Diagnosis

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to go through a complete examination by a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a definitive diagnosis for medication. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).

Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three most common signs of ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these characteristics on occasion however, those with ADHD typically exhibit these characteristics in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It may also include issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making decisions that are reckless, buying things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD is characterized by difficulty staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines, or a lack of ability 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 seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so to get the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to aid you in conquering them. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives are changed to the better.

The assessment process will involve an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel relaxed.

The Assessment

If you are an adult with ADHD you'll need undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be carried out by a healthcare professional who is a specialist within ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their specific capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.

A specialist will use an organized interview to gather as much information as 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 ask about your family's history of mental health and review your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.

During the assessment, you will be required to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess their impact on how you function in your daily life. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also consider any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.

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

The expert you meet with will be able give you a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your examination and the available options for treatment, such as an agreement to share care with your GP for medications (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will outline their holistic plan as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining the diagnosis. The first step is to have a private examination by a specialist physician who will confirm or denial a diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor can also tell you if there are any other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms or whether they are caused by medications.

After the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each person you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's chemical signals, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in attention and movements. Most people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.

Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes, which can improve their concentration and energy levels.

Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining the diagnosis of ADHD particularly when they are part of minorities. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. These groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.

Finding affordable treatment and evaluations isn't easy, especially in the event that you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take finances into account. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans, and have residents or interns in training who can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor.

Support

People with ADHD are often unable to comprehend the impact their condition has on their lives. They don't always realize that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to not understand the effects of ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function at a level below their potential but they can cause problems such as anxiety and depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs.

This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some people pay for private healthcare, but are not guaranteed that their GPs will agree to a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to go back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.

It is important to ensure that any health professional you're considering working with has a positive track experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can do this by looking on their website or calling them to ensure that they have the expertise you require. You can also ask if they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).

It is crucial to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who will prescribe medication if needed. 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.

When choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also take into account your own personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable working with a therapist or click here psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with clients with kinks.