How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to provide them.

However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are handing out unreliable health assessments. This has led to concern and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive.

Diagnosis

In order to get diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to undergo a thorough exam by a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who can give a formal diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).

The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone will show certain traits on occasion, those who suffer from ADHD tend to display them to a much more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, unable to sit still or feeling restless, and may also have issues with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior may include making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD is characterized by difficulty staying focused and avoiding deadlines, procrastination 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.

Many adults are hesitant about seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's vital to seek one to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms, and find strategies and tools to help you overcome them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.

The process of assessment involves a discussion about your symptoms and their impact on your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel relaxed.

The Assessment

As an adult suffering from ADHD, you will need to go through a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as a specialist.

A specialist will employ structured interviewing techniques to collect as much information about your symptoms as they can, including how they affect you and your relationships, and for how long. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about 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 according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.

During the assessment process, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to evaluate your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily functioning. You may be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other disorders you might be suffering from, as many of them can present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.

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

The expert will be able provide a full explanation of the findings of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic plan and any medication they feel is appropriate.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty getting a diagnosis. The first step is a private examination by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or refuse a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medication.

After the evaluation is completed, your clinician will discuss the results with you and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your specific needs, this may involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to alleviate their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in attention and movement. Most people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication regularly.

Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can include strategies that can reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can help to improve their concentration and energy levels.

Some adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially in the case of a minority group. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD is like. These groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this.

Finding affordable treatment and evaluations isn't easy, especially if you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into consideration financial concerns. Furthermore they are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training that can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.

Support

People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks lead to problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level below their capacity, but these could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression as well as alcohol or drug abuse.

This story demonstrates the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for a lot of people to access the treatment they need. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will sign a'shared care agreement' which will allow them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean having to paying for private treatment and CBT or even more expensive professional coaching services.

Always ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track experience working with adults with ADHD. You can check their website or contact them to confirm that they have the experience and expertise required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).

Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who prescribes your medication if needed. Find a doctor who 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 check here expert in your area.

It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people may be more comfortable with an therapist or psychiatrist who is of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with kink clients.