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How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis Many patients seeking an assessment of ADHD are struggling with the burden of long NHS waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and are willing to pay private firms for their services. A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that numerous private clinics were providing unreliable assessments. This has led to debate and concerns about the quality of care patients receive. Diagnosis To be diagnosed with ADHD to be diagnosed, you'll need to undergo a thorough exam by a psychiatrist. While some people get 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 the use of medication. This is essential because a valid diagnosis will be required to be able to use certain workplace protections, including flexible working and to be able to access NHS medications. The symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories: hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these traits at times, people with ADHD tend to display these traits to a more severe degree than others. Hyperactive behaviour includes fidgeting, unable to stay still or feel uneasy, and could also have issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making rash decisions, purchasing items without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without adequate preparation. Inattentive ADD symptoms could include difficulty keeping a focus 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. Many adults are hesitant to pursue a diagnosis. However, it's 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 help you recognize your symptoms and provide strategies and tools that will aid you in conquering them. Many of our patients report that after being diagnosed, their lives change for the better. The process of assessment involves an examination of your symptoms and how they affect your life, and the completion of the DIVA online exam and a detailed interview. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are skilled to make you feel at ease. The Assessment You will need to undergo an exhaustive examination as an adult suffering from ADHD before you can be diagnosed. The assessment must be conducted by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or specialist nurse (though a nurse is not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the pecking-order of healthcare professionals, since it is their unique capabilities and expertise that distinguishes them as specialist. A specialist will use an organized interview to gather 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 review your medical history and ask questions about the mental health history of your family as well. The doctor will then go over all the information gathered from a variety of sources and determine a diagnosis in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association. During the examination, you will be required to take tests that will measure your symptoms. These tests will also determine the impact of your symptoms on how you perform in your daily life. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding your symptoms such as memory, inkblots, and other tests like puzzles or timed activities. They'll also look at any other disorders you might have, since many of them can present symptoms similar to those of ADHD. The assessment will also involve an interview with a person who knows you well, such as someone from your family, a partner or friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms and to determine whether they impact your work or relationships. The expert will provide you with a thorough explanation of the outcome of the assessment, and the options available for treatment. This could include a shared-care arrangement with your GP (where you pay only the NHS prescription fee). The specialist will present their holistic treatment plan, as well as any medication they believe to be appropriate. Treatment Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't easy for adults with the condition. The first step is a private evaluation by a specialist doctor, who can either confirm or deny the diagnosis. These are normally psychiatrists with years of experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor will also be able to inform you if you are suffering from other mental health issues that might be the cause of your symptoms, or if the symptoms are caused by the medication you're taking. After the evaluation is completed the doctor will review the results and suggest a treatment plan. Depending on the needs of each individual you could be prescribed medication or undergo psychotherapy. Most people with ADHD are prescribed stimulants to ease their symptoms. These medications are believed to boost the amount of brain's natural chemical messengers, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key part in regulating attention and movement. Many people notice that their symptoms improve quickly when they take the medication on a regular basis. private adhd assessment uk suffering from ADHD might benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. These can include strategies that reduce frustration and help them manage time and tasks. Some people with ADHD also benefit from diet modifications, which can help to improve their energy levels and concentration. Some adults may be more difficult to get a diagnosis for ADHD particularly when they are part of minorities. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like. These groups are also more likely to be denied or misdiagnosed a treatment because of this. Finding affordable treatment and evaluations isn't easy, especially if you don't have insurance. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics which take into the financial aspects. These clinics are also more likely to take advantage of a variety of insurance plans and have residents or interns in training who can provide treatment under mentor supervision. Support People with ADHD struggle to understand the effects of their condition on their lives. They don't realize that their issues with organizing, planning and completing tasks can lead to difficulties at work or in relationships. People with high IQs may be more likely to overlook the effects of ADHD. They may develop coping strategies that allow them to function below their potential. However, these can result in other problems like depression, anxiety or alcohol or drug dependence. This story demonstrates the need for seeking out an expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS care which makes it difficult for many to access the treatment they need. Some people pay for private health care but are not guaranteed that their GPs will agree to an “shared care agreement” which would permit them to return back to the NHS for follow-up treatment after a private diagnosis of ADHD. This could mean being required to pay for CBT therapy and medication on their own and even more costly professional coaching services. Always verify that the health professional you're thinking of working with has worked with adults with ADHD. You can visit their website or phone number to confirm if they have the knowledge and experience required. You can also find out if they have experience treating comorbid disorders (disorders that co-exist with ADHD). It is crucial to select the best psychiatrist or therapy as they will be the ones who will prescribe medication if needed. 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. When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, you should also be aware of your personal preferences. For instance, some people prefer an therapist who is their gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with someone who is LGBTQIA+ or has worked with kink-allied clients.