How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis<br /><br />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 firms for their services.<br /><br />However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot of these private clinics provide unreliable health assessments. This has sparked controversy and concerns about the quality of care patients receive.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, you will need to undergo a full assessment with psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only one who can give you an official diagnosis for medication. This is especially important since the need for a formal diagnosis is essential to gain access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and to be able to access NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).<br /><br />Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three main symptoms of ADHD. While everyone exhibits certain traits occasionally but those with ADHD often show these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactive behavior can include the tendency to fidget or be agitated. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making decisions that are reckless, buying things without thinking about the consequences, or jumping into situations without proper planning. Inattentional ADD can be identified by a lack of focus, procrastination, missing deadlines, or a lack of ability to think ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.<br /><br />Many adults are hesitant to pursue an assessment. However, it's important to receive the support and treatment that you need. A diagnosis of ADHD could bring relief and clarity in your life. It will also help you understand the symptoms and provide strategies and tools to overcome them. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients say that their lives have changed for the better.<br /><br />The assessment process will involve an interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test, and an extensive interview with a clinical psychologist. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are highly skilled to make you feel relaxed.<br /><br />The Assessment<br /><br />If you are an adult with ADHD you'll need to go through an extensive assessment before you are diagnosed. This needs to be performed by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is 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 a specialist.<br /><br />A specialist will use an organized interview to collect as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they impact your life and relationships and the length of time you've been suffering from them for. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental health and examine your medical history. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment">I Am Psychiatry</a> will then take into consideration the information gathered from various sources before determining an assessment based on the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria.<br /><br />During the assessment process you will be required to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily activities. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory and inkblots and sometimes tests such as puzzles or timed tasks. They will also take into account any other comorbid conditions that you may be suffering from as many of them can have similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD.<br /><br />The test will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - for example, an individual from your family, partner or a close friend. This is in order to obtain more confirmation of your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they affect your relationships and work.<br /><br />The expert you meet with will be able to provide you a detailed report outlining the results of your evaluation and what options are available for treatment, including an agreement to share care with your GP for prescriptions (where you pay just the NHS prescription cost). The specialist will present their holistic plan as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />The process of determining if you have ADHD is not easy for those who suffer from the condition. The first step is a private assessment by a specialist doctor who can confirm or refuse a diagnosis. These are usually psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health issues that could cause your symptoms or if they are caused by medication.<br /><br />Once the assessment is completed the doctor will review your results and recommend the best treatment plan. Depending on the requirements of each patient you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant drugs which help improve their symptoms. These medications are believed to increase the availability of the brain's chemical messengers, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play an important role in the development of attention and movement. Once the medication is taken regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve quickly and efficiently.<br /><br />Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses primarily on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This can also include practical strategies to reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes that can aid in improving their energy levels and concentration.<br /><br />Certain adults might have a difficult time obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD particularly when they are part of minorities. This is because some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. People from these groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this.<br /><br />Finding affordable evaluations and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if you do not have insurance. A lot of hospitals offer ADHD clinics that take into account finances. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who provide treatment under mentor supervision.<br /><br />Support<br /><br />People suffering from ADHD struggle to understand the impact their condition has on their lives. They are often unaware that their difficulties in organising, planning and completing tasks cause problems at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function below their potential, but these can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety or alcohol or drug abuse.<br /><br />This story highlights the importance of seeking expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many to receive the treatment they need. Some people pay for private healthcare but aren't guaranteed that their doctors will sign an "shared care agreement" that would allow them to return back to the NHS to receive follow-up care after a personal diagnosis of ADHD. They may have to continue paying for private medication, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.<br /><br />Always verify that the health professional you're considering working with has expertise working with adults who have ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm if they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also determine if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that coexist with ADHD).<br /><br />It is crucial to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones to prescribe medication when needed. Find a doctor who has 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.<br /><br /><br /><br />When selecting a therapist or psychiatrist, you must also consider your own personal preferences. Some people might be more comfortable with a therapist or psychiatrist of their own gender or cultural. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with clients with kinks.<br /><br />