How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.

However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many private clinics provide inaccurate assessments. This has led to concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.

Diagnosis

You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete 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 one who can provide you with a formally recognised diagnosis for the use of medication. This is especially important since an official diagnosis is required to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also be able to access NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by an Psychiatrist).

The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone has certain traits on occasion however, those with ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting or being agitated. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organizing. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD can be identified by a lack of focus, procrastination, missing deadlines or an inability 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 reluctant to seek an assessment. However, it's essential to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you comprehend your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to help you overcome them. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives change for the better.

The assessment process involves an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and an in-depth clinical interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel at ease.

Assessment

As an adult suffering from ADHD, you will need undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter how high their position in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, as it comes down to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.

A specialist will use a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also review your medical history and ask about your the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety of sources and formulate a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.

During the process of assessment you will be required to complete tests designed to measure your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily functioning. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots as well as timed tasks or puzzles. They also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from, as many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD.

A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships and work.

The person you speak to will be able to give you a thorough report that outlines the findings of your examination and the options available for treatment, including the possibility of a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you only pay the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will explain their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they feel is appropriate.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD might have a difficult time getting the diagnosis. The first step is to have a get more info private assessment by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or deny a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also inform you if there are any other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms or whether they are caused by medications.

After the examination the doctor will go over the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Based on the requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD receive stimulant medications to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's chemical signals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in attention and movements. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.

Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could also include practical strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can aid in improving their energy levels and focus.

Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially if they are from an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. These groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.

Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a range of insurance plans and have interns or residents in training that can provide treatment under mentor supervision.

Support

People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their issues with planning, organizing and completing tasks can lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities, but these can cause problems like anxiety and depression, or the use of alcohol or drugs.

This article highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many sufferers are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no guarantee that their GP will sign a'shared care agreement' that will allow them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could result in them being required to pay for private medication and CBT therapy - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.

Always verify that the health professional you're working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by checking on their website or by calling them to make sure that they have the experience you need. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).

Finding the right psychiatrist or therapist is important, because they will be the one who will prescribe your medication, if required. Choose a doctor that 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.

It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. For instance, some people prefer an therapist who is of their gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with clients with kinks.