How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in many patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.

However an earlier BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics provide unreliable assessments. This has led to 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 psychiatrist. While some individuals have their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis for treatment. This is crucial because a formal diagnosis is required to gain access to certain workplace protections, like flexible working and to be able to access NHS medications.

Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone is likely to exhibit certain traits occasionally, those with ADHD are likely to show these traits to a more extensive degree than other people. Hyperactivity can manifest as the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It may also include problems with planning and organizing. Impulsive behavior can include reckless decisions, buying items without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD is characterized by difficulty staying focused, procrastination, missing deadlines, or a lack of 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 reluctant to pursue a diagnosis. But, it is necessary in order to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide relief and clarity to your life. It can also help you to understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.

The assessment process consists of an open discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam, and an extensive interview. During your examination our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly skilled at helping you to feel at ease and comfortable.

Assessment

As an adult with ADHD is required to go through an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare provider who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is when it comes to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that make them a specialist.

A specialist will use an organized interview to collect as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and how long you have been suffering from them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask about your the mental health history of your family as well. The specialist will then consider all the information gathered from a variety of sources before determining a diagnosis based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.

During the assessment you will be asked to take tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine their impact on how you perform in your daily life. These may include questionnaires about your symptoms, memory and inkblots, as well as tests such as timed tasks or puzzles. They will also consider any other disorders you may have, as they may present symptoms similar to those associated ADHD.

The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well, like an individual from your family, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and to determine whether they affect your work or relationships.

The specialist you meet with will be able to give you a thorough report that outlines the results of your evaluation and the available options for treatment, including a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay just the NHS prescription charge). The specialist will discuss their recommended holistic plan for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.

Treatment

Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging for adults with the condition. The first step is to have an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medications.

After the assessment your doctor will review the results and recommend a plan of treatment. Based on your needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. The majority of people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medication to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in attention and movement. Once the medication is taken frequently, many people notice that their symptoms get better quickly and efficiently.

Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can improve their energy levels and focus.

Certain adults might be more difficult to get the diagnosis of ADHD, especially if they belong to minorities. Some medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or be refused treatment.

Finding affordable treatment and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly if you do not have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into the financial aspects. Furthermore these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans, and have residents and interns in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.

Support

People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact their condition has on their lives. They are often unaware the fact that their struggles in organizing, planning and completing tasks cause 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 potential however, these strategies can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression as well as addiction to alcohol or drugs.

This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are lengthy waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many to receive the treatment they require. Some people pay for private healthcare, but they aren't sure if their GPs will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement" that will allow how much is private adhd assessment them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.

Always verify that the health professional you're thinking of working with has experience working with adults who have ADHD. You can check their website or phone number to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also inquire whether they've treated comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).

It is crucial to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, because they will be the ones who will prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor who has 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, it is important to be aware of your personal preferences. Some people may be more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.