How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis

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

However, a recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics provide inaccurate assessments. This has led to concern and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.

Diagnosis

In order to get diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full assessment with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for the prescription of medication. This is especially important since a formal diagnosis is necessary for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also be able to access NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists).

Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention are the three primary symptoms of ADHD. While everyone displays certain traits on occasion, those who have ADHD typically exhibit these symptoms in a more severe form. The signs of hyperactivity include fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling uneasy, and could also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentive ADD can be identified 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.

Although many adults are nervous about having an ADHD diagnosis, it's imperative to do so to get the support and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand the signs and symptoms, and help you find strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.

The assessment process will involve an interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life, taking the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. During your assessment our psychiatrists have years of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease.

Assessment

As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need to undergo an exhaustive assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist.


A doctor will conduct a structured interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your relationships and life, and how long you've been experiencing them for. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety sources and determine a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.

During the test you will be asked to take tests designed to measure your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also take into account any other conditions you might be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.

The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well, for example, someone from your family, a partner or friend. This is to get further evidence to support your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships or work.

The specialist will be able to provide a full explanation of the findings of the evaluation, as well as the treatment options available. This could include a shared-care contract with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting a diagnosis. The first step is to have an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also be able to tell you if you have other mental health issues that might explain some of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking.

After the assessment, your clinician will discuss the results and recommend an approach to treatment. Based on the specific needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people suffering from ADHD receive stimulant medications to alleviate their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the brain's natural chemical messages like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play an important role in attention and movements. Many people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.

adult adhd private assessment suffering from ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their relationships and self-esteem. These can include strategies to lessen frustration and help them manage time and manage their tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes, which can aid in improving their energy levels and concentration.

Certain adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others, especially when they belong to an ethnic minority. Certain medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be. The people in these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied a treatment due to this.

Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into the financial aspects. Additionally they are more likely to take part in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who are able to provide treatment under mentor supervision.

Support

People with ADHD struggle to comprehend the impact of their condition on their lives. They are often unaware that their issues in organising, planning and completing tasks cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are more likely to be unable to comprehend the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that enable them to function lower than their capabilities, but these can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety or addiction to alcohol or drugs.

This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment of 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 health care but they aren't sure if their GPs will be willing to sign an "shared care agreement" which would permit patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them being required paying for private treatment and CBT and even more costly specialist coaching services.

It is important to ensure whether any health professional you're thinking of working with has a positive track of experience working with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking up their website, or by calling them to confirm that they have the experience you require. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).

It is crucial to select the right psychiatrist or therapy, because they will be the ones to prescribe medication when 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. Some people may feel more comfortable working with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or ethnicity. You may also prefer to work with a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.