How to Get a Private ADHD DiagnosisMany patients seeking a diagnosis of ADHD are struggling with the pressure of a sluggish NHS waiting lists. Some are in desperate need of answers and are willing to pay private companies for their services.However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that many of these private clinics are handing out unreliable health assessments. This has led to controversy and concerns about the quality of care that patients receive.DiagnosisIn order to get diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to undergo a full assessment by a psychiatrist. While some people get their diagnosis confirmed by psychologists or other mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is the only professional who can give you an official diagnosis that is recognized for the use of 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 gain access to NHS medication (which is only prescribed by an Psychiatrist).Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, as well as inattention are the three most common symptoms of ADHD. While everyone has some of these characteristics on occasion, those who have ADHD often show these symptoms in a more severe form. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, being unable to remain still, or feeling anxious, and can also include trouble with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can include reckless purchases without thinking about the consequences, or rushing to situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms can include trouble keeping a focus on tasks that require attention, avoiding deadlines, or finding it difficult 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 hesitant to pursue an assessment. However, this is necessary in order to get the help and treatment you need. A diagnosis of ADHD can provide a sense of calm and clarity to your life. It can help you understand your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to help you overcome them. Once diagnosed, many of our patients claim that their lives have changed for the better.The process of assessment will include an interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life, completing the DIVA online test, and an in-depth clinical interview. During your assessment our psychiatrists will have a wealth of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are extremely skilled at helping you to feel comfortable and at ease.The AssessmentYou'll have to undergo an extensive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. This needs to be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an expert in ADHD. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It doesn't matter what their rank in the pecking order of healthcare professionals is when it comes to their specific skills, knowledge and experience that define them as a specialist.A specialist will conduct a structured interview to gather the most information possible about your symptoms, how they impact your relationships and life, and how long you've been experiencing them for. They will also go over your medical history and ask questions about family mental health history as well. The doctor will then go over all the information collected from various sources and determine a diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.During the test you will be asked to complete tests designed to assess your symptoms. These tests will also assess their impact on how you function in your daily life. You could be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests such as puzzles or timed exercises. They also consider any other comorbid conditions that you might be suffering from since they may have similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.The test will also include an interview with someone who is familiar with you - for example, someone from your family, a partner or friend. This is to get further corroborative evidence of your ADHD symptoms and to determine how they impact your relationships and work.The expert will be able provide you with a thorough explanation of the results of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you only pay the NHS prescription fee). The doctor will go over their holistic recommendations for your care and will go over any medication that they think is appropriate.TreatmentAdults with ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is to get an assessment in private with a specialist doctor who will be able to confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor can also tell you if there are any other mental health conditions that might explain your symptoms or the cause of your symptoms is medication.After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review the results and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Based on the specific requirements of each patient, you may 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 brain's chemical signals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine which play a significant role in regulating attention and movements. The majority of people notice that their symptoms improve rapidly when they take the medication regularly.Adults with ADHD might benefit from therapy that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies to reduce stress and improve their ability to manage time and manage their tasks. Certain people with ADHD also benefit from diet changes, which can help to improve their concentration and energy levels.Some adults are more likely to struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than others, especially if they are from the minority group. Some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. private assessment for adhd are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment due to this.Finding affordable evaluations and treatments isn't easy, especially when you don't have insurance. Hospital-based clinics often offer specialized ADHD clinics that take into the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to accept a variety of insurance plans, and have interns or residents in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision.SupportPeople with ADHD often struggle to recognize the impact their conditions have on their lives. They aren't aware that their difficulties with organizing, planning and completing tasks can cause issues at work or with relationships. People with high IQs are particularly likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop coping mechanisms that enable them to perform at a lower level than they could. However, these can cause other issues, such as depression, anxiety, or drug or alcohol dependence.This story highlights the importance of seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Many people are unable to access NHS care because of logjammed waiting lists. Others pay to access private healthcare, but there is no assurance that their doctor will be willing to sign a "shared care agreement' that allows patients to return to the NHS for follow-up treatment after receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD. They could have to keep paying for private therapy, medication, or even more costly coaching services.Always ensure that any health professional you are considering working with has a good track experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can do this by looking up their website, or calling them to make sure 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 essential to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy since they are the ones who will prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor who has 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.It is also important to consider your personal preferences when selecting the right therapist or psychiatrist. For instance, some people prefer someone who is of their gender or cultural. You might also prefer to work someone who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with kink clients.