Getting a Private Diagnosis For ADHD
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to communicate with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. This makes it difficult for them to succeed at work and school.
The GP can recommend patients to private professionals who are able to conduct an ADHD assessment. It is essential to check with your GP to see if they're willing to sign a shared-care agreement before taking the next step.
The Assessment
In the UK due to the long NHS waiting times, many adults with ADHD choose to have their test conducted and prescriptions made privately. However, as this Panorama investigation reveals, not all private clinics are monitored and could be giving incorrect diagnoses.
Only psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD in adults and prescribe medication. Counsellors and other mental health professionals cannot diagnose ADHD.
The majority of private assessment providers will ask you to complete a series of forms and questionnaires before your appointment, which they review in advance of your meeting. You should bring these forms and questionnaires with you and any other documents or information that may be helpful. For example, if you were referred to them by your GP It is advisable to bring these with you as well.
Once your psychiatrist has reviewed the questionnaires, they will schedule an appointment to discuss the results and the results they have derived. ADHD Diagnosis should bring the list of your symptoms (and any documentation) as this will be used to help them make an informed diagnosis. They will also talk to you about your current life and how ADHD has affected you so far. They might recommend talking to a family member or close friend about your symptoms and how they impact on your daily routine.
During this time your psychiatrist will talk with you about whether or not they believe that you may have ADHD and the best treatment options for you. If they feel you do have ADHD and they confirm it, you will receive an written report describing their findings. They will then discuss the findings with you and decide whether you should report your diagnosis to your GP so that they are on the same page about your condition, treatment, and management. It is recommended to bring this report to your GP to discuss in the event that you like them to prescribe medication under an Shared Care agreement with your psychiatrist. You should also inform DVLA if your driving ability is affected by ADHD.
Diagnosis
If you're considering receiving a diagnosis privately it is important to know what the procedure involves. You'll likely see a psychiatrist or psychologist for the assessment, since they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The assessment will include an extensive examination of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Your mental health professional will also ask questions regarding your family history and any other issues you're dealing with.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms with the criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Association for ADHD in adults. For instance, he/ she will assess whether you are having trouble paying attention or following directions, and whether your hyperactivity results in difficulties with completing tasks. Your doctor will also want to know whether you have had trouble with these symptoms since childhood. This could mean asking your parents or teachers for information about the first time these symptoms started to appear.
The specialist will use tests like QbCheck to determine if you have ADHD symptoms. They might also conduct a medical interview and request several other tests. This could take as long as two sessions.
During the interview, your specialist will ask you to provide examples of how your issues affect your daily life. The psychologist or psychiatrist will also examine your family history as well as any other issues you're facing, such as depression.
It's important to choose the most appropriate therapist for your assessment. A reputable clinic such as Harley Psychiatrists, in London, will conduct a comprehensive examination to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. They will also offer an array of treatment options that are adapted to your particular needs.
There is a concern that certain private clinics are diagnosing patients with ADHD too quickly and without conducting a thorough assessment. BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a clinic that diagnosed a patient with ADHD following a video-call, and prescribed him a powerful medication.
A private diagnosis will not be accepted by the NHS. Your doctor won't sign a contract to transfer your medication from the NHS to your physician. This is because the majority of GPs don't have the necessary skills or knowledge to diagnose ADHD.
Medication
The process of obtaining an adult diagnosis of ADHD is complex and involves gatekeepers. Their knowledge and attitude can affect a person's ability to get treatment.
If your GP refuses to refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment or you are not satisfied with the wait times then you might consider private diagnosis. Private assessments can cost up to PS800 and require filling out questionnaires, an interview with a psychiatrist and psychiatric report. The cost could be prohibitive for some, but it is possible to obtain an agreement for shared care with your GP to allow you to pay for the NHS prescription fee and visit a private clinician for medication.
However, there's a concern that some private providers are over-diagnosing ADHD, especially through online clinics. A recent BBC Panorama 'expose' highlighted a number of cases where online assessments were not correctly conducted. In addition, people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol often exhibit symptoms that could be confused with ADHD. These symptoms are known as comorbid, and can include depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to undergo an evaluation and diagnosis of psychiatric disorders before taking stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamines) to treat the condition. These substances are classified as class B and can cause serious issues in the body if they are not taken in accordance with prescription. They also pose a significant risk of addiction.
Many people who have an history of alcohol or drug use can ease their symptoms by adjusting their environment, delegating work and utilizing assistants. But it is vital to remember that these measures cannot substitute for an evaluation of psychiatric condition and a formally recognised diagnosis for the purposes of workplace protections under the Equality Act.
Counsellors and psychologists are able to provide an ADHD assessment but they are not able prescribe medication. In some cases a psychiatric nurse or psychiatrist could be able to provide this service but only if they are educated in the process of diagnosing and have a valid medical certificate.
Certain people aren't diagnosed with ADHD because the GP feels that they do not meet the criteria or it is believed that a different diagnosis better explains the person's difficulties. This is not necessarily a negative thing however it can be frustrating when the symptoms are causing distress and affecting your daily routine.
Therapy
A private diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that therapists will be less strict or bend the rules more than if they worked within NHS guidelines. Patients who are seen privately are still required to undergo a thorough evaluation that must adhere to best practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines. If a private healthcare professional is found to have an overdiagnosed ADHD They are likely to be disciplined by the appropriate authorities.
Many adults suffering from ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness techniques. Therapists collaborate with their clients to help them overcome obstacles and devise strategies that can improve life and reduce the effects ADHD symptoms. This can be done either in person or through a video conference depending on the location of the client.
CBT's goal is to address the root of a client's difficulties by teaching them healthy coping skills and helping them identify their bad habits. These include procrastination, and poor time management, which are all symptoms of adult ADHD. Therapists assist clients in teaching methods to reduce their symptoms, as well as assisting them in building a supportive environment around themselves.
Many adults who are diagnosed with adult ADHD are relieved to finally understand the cause of their struggles. They may also find that their diagnosis may bring up many feelings that are difficult to deal with. Fortunately, there are many support groups for those who require it.
For those who are seeking treatment for their ADHD symptoms A mental health professional can provide the patient with a treatment plan which includes psychotherapy and medication. The use of medication can boost a patient's concentration, help them not lose things, and allow them to stay still so they can be able to concentrate and listen with a keen eye. A psychiatrist might prescribe stimulants such as methylphenidate to people suffering from ADHD symptoms.