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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 the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics are handing out unreliable health assessments. This has sparked concerns and controversy over the quality of care that patients receive. Diagnosis You'll need to consult a psychiatrist for a full examination to be diagnosed with ADHD. While some individuals 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 medication. This is essential since a formal diagnosis is required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working, as well as to be able to access NHS medications. Instability, hyperactivity, and inattention are the three main signs of ADHD. While everyone is likely to exhibit some of these characteristics at times, people who suffer from ADHD tend to display these traits to a greater extent than others. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling anxious, and can also be a problem with planning and organisation. Impulsive behaviour can include making reckless decisions, buying items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms can include trouble staying focused on tasks, procrastinating, missing 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. Although many adults are nervous about having a diagnosis, it is essential that you do so to get the support and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring you relief and clarity in your life. It can help you recognize your symptoms, and find strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering them. Many of our patients say that after being diagnosed, their lives alter for the better. The assessment process involves an examination of your symptoms and how they impact your life, and the completion of the DIVA online test and an in-depth interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists have years of experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD and are competent in helping you feel at ease and comfortable. Assessment As an adult suffering from ADHD you'll need to undergo a thorough assessment before being diagnosed. The assessment must be carried out by medical professionals who are a specialist in ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It is not important where they are in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, since it is their particular abilities and knowledge that define them as specialist. private adhd assessment adults will conduct a structured interview to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also ask about your family's mental health history and examine your medical history. The doctor will then review all the information gathered from a variety of sources and make an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria. During the process of assessment you will be required to take tests that are designed to assess your symptoms and determine the impact they have on your daily life. You could be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms, memory, inkblots, and other tests, such as puzzles or timed exercises. They will also take into account any other conditions you may be suffering from, as many of these can present similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD. A family member, friend or partner will be interviewed as part of the evaluation. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine if they affect your work and relationships. The specialist will be able to provide a full explanation of the outcome of the evaluation, as well as the options available for treatment. This may include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your treatment and will discuss any medication they believe is appropriate. Treatment Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is to have an individual assessment by a specialist physician who can confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists who have extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor can also inform you if you have other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms, or if they are caused by medications. After the examination the doctor will go over the results and recommend the best treatment plan. Based on your requirements, this could mean the use of psychotherapy or medications. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs that help to improve their symptoms. These drugs are believed to boost brain's chemical signals, like dopamine and norepinephrine which play a significant role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used frequently, many people notice their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently. Adults with ADHD may benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their relationships and self-esteem. This could include strategies that reduce frustration and help them manage time and tasks. Some people with ADHD also benefit from dietary changes, which can aid in improving their energy levels and concentration. Some adults may have a harder time getting the diagnosis of ADHD particularly when they are part of an ethnic minority. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like. People from these groups are also more likely to be misdiagnosed or denied treatment because of this. Finding affordable treatment and evaluations isn't easy, especially in the event that you don't have insurance. However, many hospitals have special ADHD clinics that take the cost into consideration. 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 with ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their conditions have on their lives. They don't always realize that their difficulties in organizing, planning and completing tasks lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to fail to understand the effects of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function less than their potential. However, these may lead to other problems like anxiety, depression, or drug or alcohol addiction. This story highlights the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are struggling to access NHS treatment due to the sluggish waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will agree to a 'shared care agreement' which will allow them to return to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment following an official diagnosis of ADHD. This can lead to them having to continue to pay for private medication and CBT therapy and even more costly specialist coaching services. Always check if the health professional you're thinking of working with has experience working with adults with ADHD. You can check their website or phone number to confirm that they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also inquire if they have dealt with comorbid disorders (disorders which co-exist with ADHD). Selecting the right psychiatrist or therapist is essential, since they are the ones who will prescribe your medication if needed. Find a doctor who has completed 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. You should also consider your personal preferences when selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. Some people may be more comfortable working with the psychiatrist or therapist of their own gender or culture. You might also prefer to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ allied or has experience working with clients with kinks.