How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling under the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and will pay private companies to provide them with.

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

Diagnosis

In order to get diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a full exam with a psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you a formally recognised diagnosis for treatment. This is particularly important as an official diagnosis is required for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by a Psychiatrist).

Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD will often demonstrate them to a much more severe degree than others. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being restless. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on work and putting off 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 having an assessment, it is imperative to do so to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you comprehend the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will help you overcome them. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives change for the better.

The process of assessment involves a discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life, the completion of the DIVA online test and a detailed interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel relaxed.

Assessment

You’ll have to undergo a thorough evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be 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 are not able to prescribe medication). It doesn’t matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals in relation to their particular skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.

A specialist will utilize structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information about your symptoms as is possible and how they impact you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also inquire about your family’s history of mental health and review your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from various sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.

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

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

The expert will be able provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the examination, as well as the treatment options available. This may include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting a diagnosis. The first step is to obtain a private assessment by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with years of experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that could explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are due to medication you are on.

After the assessment the doctor will go over the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this may involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the amount of brain’s chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key part in regulating attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.

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

Some adults may be more difficult to get the diagnosis of ADHD in particular if they belong to an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment due to this.

Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment isn’t easy, especially when your insurance doesn’t cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety 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 aren’t aware that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks could cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to be unaware of the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these could cause other issues, such as depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol dependence.

This story demonstrates the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some people pay for private health care but aren’t guaranteed that their GPs will be willing to sign the terms of a “shared care agreement” which would permit them to return back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.

Make sure to ask if the health professional you’re considering working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by looking on their website or calling them to confirm that they have the expertise you need. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).

It is crucial to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who will prescribe medication if needed. 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.

When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, it is important to be aware of your personal preferences. For example, some people are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender or culture. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with the kink client.