How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Many patients seeking an assessment 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.

A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many private clinics were giving unreliable assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.

Diagnosis

You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official diagnosis for treatment. This is essential because a valid diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working, and to access NHS medication.

Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD are likely to show these traits to a greater extent than others. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks and putting off deadlines, or having trouble 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 reluctant to pursue a diagnosis. But, it is important to receive the support and treatment that you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand your symptoms and find ways and methods to conquer them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.

The process of assessment involves an examination of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the taking of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely competent in helping you feel comfortable and at ease.

Assessment

You'll have to undergo a thorough assessment as an adult with ADHD before you can be diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique abilities and knowledge that define them as an expert.

A specialist will employ structured interviews to gather as much information about your symptoms as they can, including how they affect your relationships and you, and for how long. They will also inquire about your family's mental health history and look over your medical history. The specialist will then consider all the information collected from a variety of sources before determining 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 measure your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily functioning. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed activities. They'll also look at any other disorders you might have, since many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.

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

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

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting a diagnosis. The first step is a private examination by a specialist doctor who can either confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. 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 related to the medications you're taking.

After the evaluation the doctor will go over the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Based on your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's natural chemical messages, like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. Most people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.

Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD may also benefit from dietary modifications that improve their energy levels.

Some adults may be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD in particular when they are part of a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.

Finding low-cost assessments and treatments isn't easy, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into consideration financial concerns. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.

Support

People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their condition has on their lives. They don't realize that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities however, these strategies can cause problems such as depression and anxiety, or alcohol or drug abuse.

This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no guarantee that their GP will sign a'shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS for follow up treatment after receiving a private diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them being required to pay for private treatment and CBT or even more expensive professional coaching services.

Always check if the health professional you're thinking of working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can check this by looking at their website or contacting them to confirm they have the knowledge you need. You can also inquire whether they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).

Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is essential, since they will be the one who will prescribe your medication if needed. Look for 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, it is important to consider your own personal preferences. For example, some people prefer an therapist who is of their gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.