How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private companies for their services.

A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing inaccurate assessments. This has caused debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.

Diagnosis

You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only person who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for medication. This is crucial because a formal diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.

The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain characteristics occasionally, those who have ADHD often show them in a more extreme form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to sit still or feeling anxious, and can also have issues with planning and organisation. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on tasks, procrastinating, missing 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.

Many adults are hesitant to seek an assessment. However, it's important to receive the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand your symptoms and help you find strategies and tools to deal with them. Many of our patients say that once they have been diagnosed, their lives are changed to the better.

The process of assessment will include a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, completing the DIVA online test, and an extensive clinical interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel comfortable and at ease.

Assessment

As an adult with ADHD, you will need to go through an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. The assessment must be performed by medical professionals who are a specialist in ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter how high their position in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals is as it comes down to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.

A specialist will use structured interviews to collect as much information about your symptoms as is possible, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long they last. They will also ask about your family's history of mental health and look over your medical history. The specialist will then consider all the information gathered from various sources before determining a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.

During the assessment process you will be required to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed exercises. They will also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from, as they may have similar symptoms to those associated with 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 if they affect your work or relationships.

The person you speak to will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines 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 explain their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD might have difficulty obtaining an assessment. The first step is to have a private assessment with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also tell you if there are any other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medications.

Once the test is complete, your clinician read more will discuss the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this could involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the brain's natural chemical messages like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. Most people notice that their symptoms get better when they take the medication on a regular basis.

Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies to lessen frustration and improve their ability to manage time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary modifications, which can aid in improving their energy levels and concentration.

Some adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, particularly in the case of a minority group. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or to be denied treatment.

Finding affordable evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially in the event that you don't have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take account finances. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to take part in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.

Support

People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their conditions have on their lives. They don't realize that their problems with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these could cause other issues like anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol dependence.

This story highlights the need to seek an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for many people to access the treatment they need. Some pay for private health care but are not guaranteed that their doctors will sign the terms of a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them being required paying for private medication and CBT therapy 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 look up their website or contact them to confirm they have the experience and expertise required. You can also ask whether they've treated comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).

It is important to choose the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones to prescribe medication if needed. 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.

When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to take into account your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients who are kink-allied.