How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

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

However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are providing unreliable assessments. This has sparked controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.

Diagnosis

You'll need to visit an experienced psychiatrist for a complete 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 person who can give you an official diagnosis for the use of medication. This is essential since a formal diagnosis will be required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working and to access NHS medications.

The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone has certain characteristics at times however, those with ADHD tend to exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to sit still or feeling restless, and may also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can involve making rash decisions, purchasing items without considering the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms could include difficulty keeping a focus on tasks that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or having difficulty to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.

While many adults feel apprehensive about seeking a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so in order to receive the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. Many of our patients say that once they've been diagnosed, their lives alter to the better.

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

The Assessment

You'll need to go through an exhaustive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses cannot prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, since it is their specific abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.

A specialist will conduct a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information collected from a variety of sources before determining an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.

During the process of assessment you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from, as many of these can present similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.

The test will also include an interview with a person who knows you well - such as someone from your family, a partner or a friend. This is in order to obtain more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine how they impact your relationships and work.

The expert will be able provide you with a thorough explanation of the findings of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.

Treatment

Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is a private examination by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if you have other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms or whether they are caused by medications.

After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review your results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase brain's natural chemical messages, like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a significant role in the development of 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 relationships and self-esteem. This can include strategies that can lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from diet changes that can boost their energy levels.

Certain adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or to be denied treatment.

Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospitals have specialized ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into consideration. Furthermore they are more likely to take part in a range of different 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 impact of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They might develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these could lead to other problems like depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug abuse.

This story highlights the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Others are paying to private psychiatrist adhd assessment access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that will allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them being required paying for private treatment and CBT and even more costly professional coaching services.

Always ensure whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a good track experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can do this by checking on their website or by calling them to confirm that they have the expertise you require. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).

Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they will be the one who will prescribe your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor with 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 think about your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people will be more comfortable with an therapist who is of their gender or culture. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients who are kink-allied.