How to Get a Diagnosis For Private ADHD Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder can be a serious issue for people's daily lives. It can lead to problems at work as well as in relationships and with wellbeing if left untreated. A private ADHD evaluation should be performed by a mental health professional. This could be a GP or psychiatrist, or another healthcare professional with the right abilities, experience and knowledge to diagnose ADHD in adults. Making an accurate diagnosis The best method to obtain a diagnosis for private adhd is to see a specialist. This could be a psychiatrist who specialises in mental health issues or it could be a healthcare professional with a high level of experience with ADHD and other behavioural disorders. If they are an advanced practice nurse or an advanced practice nurse, GP or a consultant psychiatrist the most important thing is that they have experience diagnosing ADHD and comorbidities. The first step is to schedule an appointment with a GP who will recommend you to a private expert or healthcare professional. This is usually a psychiatrist, however you could also get your assessment performed by a psychologist or a different healthcare professional. It is likely that you will have to complete a questionnaire prior to the interview. You will be asked to assess your symptoms at various time and in various situations. This will help your doctor know how your symptoms affect your daily life and how they affect you. Your examination will typically last two hours, which gives your expert plenty of time to discuss your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Your specialist will want to know whether your symptoms have been with you for the entirety of your life. It is currently thought that you cannot be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult when your symptoms haven't been present since childhood. If your doctor determines that you do not suffer from ADHD they will tell you the reason. You may not meet their criteria or another issue could be causing your symptoms better than ADHD. You can contest the decision or request to be referred elsewhere. Be aware that just because you pay for healthcare does not mean that you will receive the same standards of care as the NHS. The GP's and consultants should adhere to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines regardless of the amount you are paying for your treatment. They should also have a detailed understanding of how to diagnose ADHD in adults and are aware of the latest evidence and treatment options. Medication It is crucial to consult an experienced medical professional before making a decision on a medication to treat ADHD. Adults suffering from ADHD often require counseling to cope with the emotional effects of the condition, and to learn how to manage their symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist can offer this service, however someone who has specialized training in ADHD could be more beneficial. Preparing for your appointment is a good idea. You might be able to make your list of things that you would like to discuss, including any concerns that you have about the effects of ADHD on your life. Prepare yourself to answer questions regarding your medical history, your family history, and the amount of time you've experienced ADHD symptoms. During the assessment the doctor will explain in detail how your symptoms impact your daily functioning and your relationships. They will also inquire regarding your family history and your past psychological evaluations. They will determine whether your symptoms are due to physical or mental problems and whether they've changed over time. After your physician has completed the assessment, they will give you a diagnosis of ADHD. You will also be provided with alternatives to take medication. A doctor is likely to recommend the use of methylphenidate, an ADHD stimulant to adults with ADHD. It can help to reduce ADHD symptoms and enhance your ability listen, focus and pay attention. However it is important to note that not all adults are comfortable with taking medication and there are many other treatments available. It is crucial to remember that private healthcare providers must remain within NHS guidelines. They should not bend the rules simply because they are getting money for it. The BBC's Panorama investigation revealed that some private clinics are distributing inaccurate diagnoses of ADHD. In one instance an individual was prescribed long-term methylphenidate with no warning or proper evaluation. You can seek a shared-care agreement with your GP in the event that you are not satisfied with the treatment or diagnosis given. This will permit you to receive medications from your GP while receiving support and counselling from a specialist. Some GPs, however, do not offer this service. Treatment options A private diagnosis can help you better know the condition and available treatment options. You can also enroll in a special school or college program specifically designed for students suffering from ADHD or get access to workplace safety. There are many websites for therapy that will connect you with therapy professionals to reduce symptoms and enhance your quality of life. You can pay an independent healthcare professional to assess your ADHD when you don't believe that you have been properly diagnosed by your GP or you are concerned about the length of wait times for NHS services. The process usually involves the use of a questionnaire, a clinical interview and the use of validated assessment scales. You might be required to bring a relative accompanying you to the test. The test could last up to 1.5 hours and will include an online test of a brief duration, a clinical interview and the completion of an array of ADHD assessment tools. This will give a clear picture of your symptoms and help understand how they affect your daily life. It will also enable you to discuss treatment options and any other health issues that might be affecting your symptoms. There are many different types of medication that can be used to manage the symptoms of ADHD and your doctor will prescribe the one most suitable for you. You can also try behavioural therapy or changing your lifestyle to lessen the symptoms. A healthy diet filled with protein, fruits and vegetables and whole grains could aid in managing the symptoms of ADHD as will a regular exercise regimen. You can also seek help through online support services, like Thriveworks, to get the treatment you require. Psychiatrists who specialise in adult ADHD can be found on telehealth websites such as Amwell. The psychiatrists on Amwell have a vast amount of experience treating adults with ADHD and are able to identify your symptoms swiftly. They can also offer an agreement of shared care with your GP for medications, which means you'll only need to pay the NHS prescription charge. Support Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD It is crucial to find out the right assistance for your needs. This could be through therapy, a private prescription or support groups. However, not all support is equally available and you must ensure that the professionals you work with are experienced and qualified in treating adults with ADHD. You should always check the qualifications of a psychiatrist prior to booking an appointment. You also need to be sure that they're on the General Medical Council's specialist register for ADHD. It is not uncommon for people to be referred to private specialists such as Priory after being informed that their GP is not likely to be able to offer an assessment within the NHS timeframes. This is because the NHS is often stricken by long waiting lists for children and young people who require ADHD treatment, and adult services are usually less resourced than they should be. A recent report from a group of charities has revealed that the quality of care for children with undiagnosed ADHD is not the best. This is due to an intricate network of gatekeepers across the healthcare system, each with a different views and understanding of ADHD. The report also found out that many families are prevented from seeking help, because they aren't aware of their options. ADHD is not taught in medical schools, in contrast to other mental diseases. It is up to professionals to keep up-to-date with the latest developments through studying professional journals and books and attending conferences. Some professionals are more interested or more knowledgeable about this condition than others, however unfortunately, there's still a lot of misinformation about ADHD. The first step in obtaining treatment for ADHD is to book an online or face-toface psychiatric assessment with an expert psychiatrist. This will include a full mental health assessment as well as an interview with the psychiatrist, which will focus on the way your symptoms impact your daily life as an adult. You will receive an unwritten report that summarizes the assessment, your holistic treatment plan and what you can expect from any prescribed medication (if you don't have any symptomatic cardiovascular conditions or hyperthyroidism which require medication first). It is possible for you to be treated as an individual patient or use the NHS's 'Right to Choose scheme to pay for your appointment.