Getting a Private Diagnosis For ADHD
People with ADHD are often unable to communicate with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. This can make it hard for them to be successful at work and school.
GPs may recommend patients to private professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment. It is important to confirm with your GP if they will sign a shared-care contract prior to beginning.
Assessment
In the UK, due to long NHS waiting times, many adults with ADHD choose to have their test performed and prescribed medications privately. However, as this Panorama investigation reveals that not all private clinics are regulated and may be delivering incorrect diagnoses.
Psychiatrists are the sole medical professionals who can formally diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication for adults. Other mental health professionals like counsellors are not able to do this.
Most private assessment providers will require you to fill out several questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment, which they will review prior to the time of your appointment. You should bring these questionnaires and forms with you along with any other documents or information that could be helpful. For example, if you were referred to them by your GP It is advisable to bring them along with you.
After your psychiatrist has reviewed the questionnaires, they will schedule an appointment to discuss your results and the results they have derived. You must bring an inventory of your symptoms (and any documents) as this will aid them in making a more informed diagnosis. They will also inquire about your present life and how ADHD has affected you to date. They might suggest that you talk to your closest friend or family member about your issues and the impact they have on your daily routine.
During this period your psychiatrist will discuss whether or not they believe that you may have ADHD and the best treatment options for you. If they believe that you have ADHD you will be provided with an official report that outlines their findings. They will talk with you if they think you have ADHD and decide if it is best to discuss this diagnosis with your GP. This way, both parties can be on the same page about your condition, treatment, and management. It is recommended to discuss the report with your GP should you wish them to prescribe medication as part of a Shared care agreement with your psychiatrist. You should also inform the DVLA that your driving ability is affected by ADHD.
Diagnosis
It's crucial to know what happens during the private diagnosis process if you're thinking about it. You'll likely be consulted by a psychologist or psychiatrist for the assessment, since they are the only healthcare professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The assessment will include a thorough review of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Your mental health professional might also ask you about your family history and any other issues you're struggling with.
Your doctor will compare your symptoms with the criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Association for ADHD in adults. For example, he or will determine if you have difficulty paying attention or following directions and whether your hyperactivity results in difficulties in keeping up with tasks. adhddiagnosis will also want to determine if you've experienced these symptoms since the time you were a child. This could include asking your parents or teachers for information about the time when these issues first started to manifest.
The specialist will use a series of tests to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD, such as the QbCheck. The specialist will also conduct a medical interview and ask you to complete several other tests. It could take as long as two sessions.
During the interview, your specialist will ask you to provide examples of how your symptoms impact your daily life. The psychologist or psychiatrist may also ask about your family history and other issues that you are dealing with, such as depression.
It's vital that you choose the right therapist to carry out your assessment. A reputable clinic, like Harley Psychiatrists in London, will use a comprehensive assessment to determine if you have ADHD. They will also provide you with various treatment options that are tailored to your needs.
There is a possibility that private clinics are diagnosing patients with ADHD too quickly and without conducting a thorough assessment. The BBC's Panorama programme recently exposed a clinic that diagnosed a patient with ADHD through a video chat and provided him with powerful medications.
A private diagnosis will not be accepted by the NHS. Your doctor won't sign a document transferring your medication treatment from NHS to your GP. This is because the majority of GPs don't have the necessary skills or knowledge to determine ADHD.
Medication
The process of getting the diagnosis for ADHD as an adult is a complex process that often involves gatekeepers. The attitude and knowledge of these people can determine the ability of those seeking help to get access to treatment.
You might want to consider the possibility of a private diagnosis if you're GP does not want to refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment, or if you are unhappy with the time it takes to wait. Private assessments can cost up to PS800 and involve filling out questionnaires, a meeting with a psychiatrist, and a psychotherapy report. Some people find the cost prohibitive, however you can obtain a shared-care agreement with your doctor which allows you to pay NHS prescription costs and visit a private practitioner for medication.
There is a concern however, that certain private providers are over-diagnosing ADHD especially through online clinics. In a recent BBC Panorama "expose", there were several instances in which online assessments were not carried out correctly. People who are addicted to alcohol or drugs often show symptoms similar to ADHD. These symptoms are known as comorbid and can include depression or anxiety.
It is crucial to undergo an evaluation and diagnosis for psychiatric issues prior to taking stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamines) for the condition. These are class B substances and could cause serious health issues if not taken as prescribed. They also pose a substantial risk of addiction.
Many people who have a history of drug and alcohol abuse can ease their symptoms by altering their environment, delegating tasks and enlisting assistants. It is important to remember that these methods don't replace a formal diagnosis and a psychotherapy assessment for the purpose of the Equality Act.
Psychologists and counsellors can provide an ADHD assessment, but they are not able to prescribe medication. In certain instances, a psychiatrist or psychiatric nursing can perform this assessment, however only if the individual is trained in the diagnosis process and has a valid medical license.
Some individuals are not diagnosed with ADHD because the GP thinks they do not meet the criteria or it is believed that a different diagnosis is more suitable to explain the person's problems. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but it can be a source of frustration if the symptoms are distressing and affecting your daily life.
Therapy
A private diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that therapists can be less strict or break the rules than if they worked within NHS guidelines. Patients who are seen in a private environment require an assessment that is in line with the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines and best practices. If a healthcare professional working for a private clinic is found to be overdiagnosing ADHD, it is likely that they will be disciplined by appropriate authorities.
Many adults with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness practices. Therapists work closely with their clients to overcome obstacles and devise strategies that can improve their lives and lessen the impact of ADHD symptoms. This can be done in person or online via video conference, depending on the location of the client.
The aim of CBT is to find the root of a client's difficulties by teaching them healthy coping techniques and helping them recognize their negative habits. These habits include procrastination and poor time management as well as other symptoms of adult ADHD. Therapists will work with clients to teach methods to reduce their symptoms, as well as assisting them in building an environment that is supportive of them.
Many people who are diagnosed with adult ADHD are relieved to finally know the reason for their difficulties. However, they might discover that their diagnosis triggers a lot of feelings that are difficult to handle. There are plenty of support groups for those who require it.
For those who are looking to receive treatment for their ADHD symptoms, a mental health professional will provide the patient with a treatment plan that includes psychotherapy and medication. The use of medication can improve the patient's concentration, keep them from losing things and enable them to stay still for longer periods of time so that they can learn new skills and be attentive to what they are hearing. A psychiatrist may prescribe stimulants such as methylphenidate to adults with ADHD symptoms.