A Guide To ADHD Diagnosis Private From Start To Finish

How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS cannot diagnose ADHD in a large number of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private providers for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are providing unreliable assessments. This has sparked controversy and concern over the quality of care that patients receive.
Diagnosis
You'll need to visit a psychiatrist for a full evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only one who can provide a formal diagnosis for medication. This is crucial since a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications.
The symptoms of ADHD can be classified into three major categories including impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays certain characteristics at times however, those with ADHD typically exhibit them in a more extreme form. The signs of hyperactivity include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It can also indicate problems with planning and organization. Insane behavior may include making rash decisions, buying items without considering the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD can be characterized by difficulty in staying focused or concentrating, procrastination, a lack of deadlines or an inability ability 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 to pursue an assessment. But, it is important to receive the help and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools to aid you in conquering these. After being diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves an open discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your life, the completion of the DIVA online exam and an extensive interview. During your assessment our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are highly adept at helping you feel at ease and comfortable.
The Assessment
As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a specialist psychologist, nurse or psychiatrist (though nurses are not able to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their unique capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as a specialist.
A specialist will use structured interviews to collect as much information about your symptoms as possible as they can, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long. adhd assessment private will also ask about the mental health history of your family members and review your medical history. The specialist will then consider all the information gathered from a variety of sources before determining an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.
During the examination, you will be required to complete tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also assess their impact on how you perform in your daily activities. This could include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots as well as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They'll also look at any other comorbid disorders that you might have, since many of them may have symptoms that are similar to those triggered by ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with someone who knows you well - like an individual from your family, partner or friend. This is done to gather more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine if they are impacting your relationships and work.
The expert will give you a detailed account of the results of the evaluation, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your care and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.
Treatment
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist physician who will confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also 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 medication you are on.
After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. Depending on the needs of each individual, you may be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost the availability of the brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, 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 regularly.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and improve their ability to manage time and tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can improve their energy levels and focus.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining the diagnosis of ADHD particularly those who belong to an ethnic minority. Certain medical experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD looks. They are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed, or be denied treatment.
Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment isn't easy, especially when your insurance doesn't cover it. However, many hospital-based clinics have specialized ADHD clinics that take the cost into account. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a range of different insurance plans, and have interns and residents in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor guidance.
Support
People suffering from ADHD struggle to comprehend the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't always realize that their issues with planning, organising and completing tasks can cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the impact of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that allow them to function at a level lower than their capabilities, but these could lead to issues such as anxiety and depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment which makes it difficult for a lot of people to access the treatment they need. Some pay for private health care but they aren't sure if their GPs will agree to a "shared care agreement" that will allow them to return back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
Always verify that the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults with ADHD. You can look up their website or contact them to confirm that they have the expertise needed. You can also ask whether they have treated comorbid conditions (disorders which co-exist with ADHD).
Selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist is important, because they will be the one who prescribes your medication if needed. 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.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you should also be aware of your personal preferences. For example, some people will be more comfortable with someone who is of their gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with kink-allied clients.