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How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis The NHS is not able to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients due to the lengthy waiting lists. Some patients are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private companies to provide them. A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics provided inaccurate assessments. This has sparked debate and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive. Diagnosis You'll need to visit an Psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals have their diagnosis made by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a Psychiatrist is the only person who can provide you with an official diagnosis for medication. This is crucial as a formal diagnosis is necessary in order to access workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to get access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by psychiatrists). Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these characteristics at times, people with ADHD tend to display these traits to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to sit still or feeling uneasy, and could also be a problem with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior could include impulsive purchases without considering the implications, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty staying focused on tasks and putting off deadlines, or having difficulty to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms. While many adults feel apprehensive about seeking an assessment, it is essential that you do so to get the assistance and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will assist you in overcoming these. Many of our patients report that once they have been diagnosed, their lives change for the better. The assessment process involves an examination of your symptoms and their impact on your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam and an in-depth interview. During your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel relaxed and at ease. The Assessment As an adult suffering from ADHD is required to go through a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. This assessment should be carried out by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their rank in the pecking order of healthcare professionals, when it comes to their specific abilities, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist. A specialist will use structured interviewing to collect as much information about your symptoms as is possible, including how they affect your relationships and you and how long. They will also go over your medical background and ask questions about the history of your family's mental health as well. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety sources and make a diagnose in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association. During the test during the assessment, you will be required to take tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also determine their impact on how you perform in your daily life. You could be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms including memory, inkblots and memory and other tests like puzzles or timed activities. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from as many of these can present similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD. The assessment will also include an interview with someone who knows you well, like a family member, partner or a friend. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to see whether they affect your relationships or work. The expert will provide a full explanation of the outcome of the examination, as well as the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care agreement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will outline their holistic plan and any medication they feel is appropriate. Treatment Adults suffering from ADHD might have a difficult time getting a diagnosis. The first step is to have a private examination by a specialist doctor, who can confirm or refuse a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor can also inform you if there are other mental health issues that could explain your symptoms, or whether they are caused by medication. Once the test is complete your doctor will then discuss the results and suggest a treatment plan. Based on your specific needs, this may involve the use of psychotherapy or medications. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants to help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the brain's natural chemical messages like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in regulating attention and movements. When the medication is used frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently. Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a therapy program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to lessen frustration and help them manage time and tasks. Some people with ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can help to improve their concentration and energy levels. Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining an diagnosis for ADHD particularly when they are part of an ethnic minority. This is because certain medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be. People with these preconceived ideas are more likely to have their ADHD misdiagnosed or to be denied treatment. Finding affordable evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially in the event that you don't have insurance. However, many hospital-based clinics have special ADHD clinics that take finances into consideration. Additionally these clinics are more likely to participate in a range of different insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor guidance. Support People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their condition has on their lives. They aren't aware that their difficulties with planning, organizing and completing tasks can lead to issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs might be more likely to overlook the impact of ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function below their potential. However, these could lead to other problems like depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug abuse. This story highlights the importance of seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to get NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Some pay for private health care but aren't guaranteed that their GPs will agree to the terms of a “shared care agreement” that will allow patients to return to the NHS to receive follow-up care following a diagnosis by a private doctor of ADHD. This can lead to them having to paying for private treatment and CBT or even more expensive specialist coaching services. Make sure to ask if the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can do this by looking on their website or contacting them to ensure that they have the expertise you need. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD). Choosing the right psychiatrist or therapist is crucial, as they are the ones who prescribes your medication in the event of need. Find a doctor with 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. It is also important to consider your personal preferences when choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist. For example, some people are more comfortable with a psychiatrist who is of their gender or culture. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience with the kink client.