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How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a lot 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 inaccurate assessments. This has led to debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive. Diagnosis You will need to see a psychiatrist for a full assessment in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is important because a valid diagnosis will be required to access certain workplace protections, such as flexible working, and to access NHS medication. The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone will show some of these traits occasionally, those who suffer from ADHD tend to display these traits to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to remain still, or feeling restless, and may also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behaviour can include making rash decisions, purchasing things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD is characterized by difficulty in staying focused, procrastination, missing 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 reluctant to pursue a diagnosis. But, it is necessary in order to get the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can also help you understand your symptoms and find strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, many of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better. The process of assessment will include an open discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to make you feel relaxed. The Assessment If you are an adult with ADHD, you will need to undergo an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by a healthcare professional who is a specialist within ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter where they are in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, because it is their unique abilities and knowledge that define them as an expert. A specialist will employ structured interviewing to gather as much information about your symptoms as is possible and how they impact you and your relationships and how long they last. They will also review your medical history and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from a variety of sources and formulate a diagnosis according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association. During the test you will be asked to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also reveal the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD. Recommended Looking at will also involve an interview with someone who knows you well, for example, a family member, partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine whether they impact your work and relationships. The expert you meet with will be able to give you a comprehensive report detailing the outcome of your assessment and the available options for treatment, including a shared care agreement with your GP for prescriptions (where you only pay the NHS prescription cost). The doctor will outline their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate. Treatment Being diagnosed with ADHD is not easy for adults with the condition. The first step is to have a private examination by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also tell you if you have other mental health conditions that could cause your symptoms or whether they are caused by medication. Once the test is complete, your clinician will discuss the results and suggest a treatment plan. Based on your needs, this may involve starting medication or psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medications which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the supply of the brain's natural chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a key part in regulating attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, most people find their symptoms improve rapidly and effectively. Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from therapy focusing on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that can reduce their stress and increase their ability to manage their time and tasks. Some people suffering from ADHD also benefit from dietary changes that can help to improve their concentration and energy levels. Certain adults are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, particularly in the case of an ethnic minority. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. These people are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be not treated. Finding low-cost evaluations and treatment isn't easy, especially in the event that your insurance does not cover it. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training that can offer treatment under the supervision of a mentor. Support People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact their condition has 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 more likely to be unable to comprehend the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function at a level below their potential but they can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression as well as the use of alcohol or drugs. This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Others are paying to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their physician will be willing to sign a “shared care agreement' that allows them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment after receiving an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services. Always verify that the health professional you're considering working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can do this by checking on their website or calling them to make sure that they have the expertise you need. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD). It is essential to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor with specialized training on 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 take into account your own personal preferences. For instance, some people will be more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is their gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.