How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.

However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics provide inaccurate assessments. This has caused concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.

Diagnosis

In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to go through a complete exam with psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is crucial as the need for a formal diagnosis is essential to gain access to 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 exhibits certain characteristics on occasion but those with ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being restless. It may also include problems with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without considering the implications or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty in staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of 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.

Although many adults are nervous about seeking a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so to get the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand the symptoms and provide ways and methods to conquer them. Many of our patients report that once they have been diagnosed, their lives are changed for the better.

The assessment process will involve an open discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. During your examination, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.

The Assessment

As an adult suffering from ADHD is required to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though a nurse cannot prescribe medication). It does not matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is when it comes to their specific capabilities, experience, and knowledge that make them a specialist.

A specialist will conduct an organized interview to collect as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your family mental health history as well. The specialist will then consider all the information gathered from various sources and determine an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.

During the examination, you will be required to take tests that are that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine their impact on how you function in your daily life. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also consider any other conditions you may be suffering from, as many of these can present similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.

The assessment will also involve an interview with someone who knows you well - for example, a family member, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they impact your work or relationships.

The specialist you meet with will be able give you a thorough report that outlines the findings of your examination and the options available to treat your condition, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay only the NHS prescription cost). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting a diagnosis. The first step is to have a private assessment by a specialist doctor, who can either confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. 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 medication.

After the evaluation, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this could involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in 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 might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Certain people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their energy levels and focus.

Some adults may be more difficult to get an diagnosis for ADHD, especially those who belong to a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be denied treatment.

Finding low-cost assessments and treatments isn't easy, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.

Support

People suffering from ADHD are often unable to comprehend the effects their condition has on their lives. They are often unaware the fact that their struggles in organising, planning and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these can result in other problems, such as anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol dependence.

This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care, which makes it difficult for many to get the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but they aren't sure if their GPs will be willing to sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This could result in them having to to pay for private medication and CBT therapy or even read more more expensive professional coaching services.

Always check if the health professional you're considering working with has worked with adults who have ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm if they have the experience and expertise required. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).

It is important to choose the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor who has 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 selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people might be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.