How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

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

However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics are handing out unreliable assessments. This has sparked controversy and concern over the quality of care patients receive.

Diagnosis

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a thorough assessment by a psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis for the use of medication. This is especially important since an official diagnosis is required in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by a Psychiatrist).

The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these traits occasionally, those with ADHD will often demonstrate them to a much more severe degree than others. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling restless, and may also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making decisions that are reckless, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on work that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or finding it difficult 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 about getting an ADHD diagnosis, it's essential that you do so in order to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can help you recognize the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will help you overcome them. Many of our patients say that once they've been diagnosed, their lives are changed to the better.

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

Assessment

You will need to undergo a thorough evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before being diagnosed. The assessment must be performed by medical professionals who are a specialist within ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, as it is their particular skills and knowledge that defines them as specialist.

A specialist will utilize structured interviewing techniques to gather as much information about your symptoms as possible, including how they affect your relationships with others and how long. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and review your medical history. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis in accordance with 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 life. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also take into account any other conditions you might be suffering from, as they may have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.

A friend, family member or partner will be interviewed during the assessment. This is in order to obtain more evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships and work.

The specialist will be able to give you a detailed account of the findings of the evaluation, as well as the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your care and discuss any medication that they think is appropriate.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty getting a diagnosis. The first step is to get an assessment in private by a specialist physician who can confirm or denial the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental issues. The doctor can also determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are related to the medication you are on.

After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend the best 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 receive stimulant medications to alleviate their symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find that their symptoms get better quickly and effectively.

Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and help them manage time and manage their tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from diet changes that can boost their energy levels.

Certain adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly when they belong to the minority group. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or be refused treatment.

Finding low-cost evaluations and treatments can be difficult, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take finances into account. Furthermore they are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training that can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.

Support

People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the effects their conditions have on their lives. They are often unaware that their issues in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function at a level lower than their capabilities but they can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression or alcohol or drug abuse.

This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for a lot of people to access the treatment get more info they need. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that will allow them to go back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them being required paying for private treatment and CBT - or even more expensive specialist coaching services.

Always ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can check their website or call them to confirm they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also ask if they have treated comorbid disorders (disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD).

It is important to choose the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones to prescribe medication if necessary. 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 choosing a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience working with the kink client.