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 get answers and will pay private providers to provide them.

A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has caused concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.

Diagnosis

You will need to see an experienced psychiatrist for a complete assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can provide you with an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of medication. This is essential because a formal diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, such as flexible working and to get access to NHS medication.

The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD tend to display these to a more severe degree than others. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, inability to stay still or feel anxious, and can also be a problem with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by a lack of focus, procrastination, missing deadlines 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.

While many adults feel apprehensive about getting a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so 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 help you understand your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering these. Once diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.

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

Assessment

As an adult with ADHD you'll need undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a specialist nurse, psychologist or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter how high their position in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, in relation to their specific capabilities, experience, and knowledge that make them a specialist.

A specialist will employ structured interviews to collect as much information on your symptoms as possible and how they impact you and your relationships, and for how long. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental health and review your medical history. The doctor will then take into consideration all the information gathered from various sources and make an appropriate diagnosis based on American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.

During the assessment you will be asked to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you function in your daily life. You may be asked to answer questions regarding your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests like puzzles or timed activities. They will also take into account any other conditions you may 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 assessment. This is done to gather more corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships or work.

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

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD might have difficulty obtaining an assessment. The first step is to obtain an individual assessment with a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that might cause your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medications.

After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review the results with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the specific needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. The majority of people suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication which help improve their symptoms. These medicines are believed to increase the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key 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. It can also include strategies to reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and work. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their energy levels.

Some adults may have a harder time getting an diagnosis for ADHD, book private adhd assessment especially if they belong to an ethnic minority. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or even not treated.

Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take financial concerns into account. Additionally these clinics are more likely to participate in a variety of insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training that can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.

Support

People suffering from ADHD are often unable to comprehend the effects their conditions have on their lives. They are often unaware that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the effects of their ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that allow them to function below their potential but they could lead to issues such as depression and anxiety, or addiction to alcohol or drugs.

This story demonstrates the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for many people to get the treatment they require. Some pay for private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows them to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more costly coaching services.

Make sure to ask if 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 calling them to ensure that they have the experience you need. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).

Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they are the ones who will prescribe your medication, if required. Find a doctor who has completed specialized training for adults with 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 example, some people prefer a psychiatrist who is a member of their gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients with kinks.