What Experts From The Field Want You To Know?

How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

Many patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some patients are desperate to get answers and will pay private providers to give them.

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

Diagnosis

You will need to see an Psychiatrist for a thorough examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. Although some people have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of medication. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to get access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by a Psychiatrist).

Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone will show some of these characteristics occasionally, those with ADHD will often demonstrate these traits to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactivity is characterized by fidgeting, inability to sit still or feeling anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organisation. Impulsive behavior can include reckless choices, purchasing items without considering the implications or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on tasks, procrastinating, missing 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 seeking an ADHD diagnosis, it's vital to seek one to get the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to aid you in conquering these. Many of our patients say that once they've been diagnosed, their lives change for the better.

The assessment process consists of an open discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the completion of the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview. In your assessment our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.

The Assessment

As an adult with ADHD, you will need undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out 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 does not matter what their place in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, in relation to their particular capabilities, experience, and knowledge that define them as a specialist.

A doctor will conduct an organized interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships and how long you have been experiencing them for. They will also review your medical background and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then review all the information gathered from a variety of sources and make 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 the impact of your symptoms on how you function in your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots as well as puzzles or timed tasks. They'll also look at any other disorders you might have, since they may present symptoms similar to those of ADHD.

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

The person you speak to will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the outcome of your assessment and the available options to treat your condition, including an agreement to share care with your GP for medication (where you pay only the NHS prescription cost). The specialist will present their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.

Treatment

Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is a private examination by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or deny a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that could explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medications you're taking.

After the examination your doctor will review the results and suggest a plan of treatment. Based on your specific needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Most people with ADHD take stimulant medication to ease their symptoms. These medicines are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial part in regulating attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.

Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. It can also include strategies to lessen their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people with ADHD may 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 an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. People with these uk private adhd assessment preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or be refused treatment.

Finding affordable treatments and evaluations can be a challenge, particularly when you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. Additionally these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who are able to offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.

Support

People with ADHD struggle to understand the impact of their condition on their lives. They often don't notice the fact that their struggles in organising, planning and completing tasks lead to issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They might develop strategies to cope that enable them to function at a level lower than their capabilities but they can cause problems like anxiety and depression as well as the use of alcohol or drugs.

This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to get NHS healthcare due to a sluggish waiting lists. Some pay for private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that allows them to go back to the NHS for follow up treatment following a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.

Always ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track of experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. You can visit their website or contact them to confirm they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also inquire whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders that coexist with ADHD).

It is essential to select the best psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who prescribe medication if necessary. Find a doctor with special 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.

It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting a psychiatrist or therapist. Some people may feel more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has experience with clients with kinks.