Getting a Private Diagnosis For ADHD
People with ADHD may have trouble communicating with their supervisors, coworkers, and teachers. This can make it hard for them to achieve success at school and work.
GPs may refer patients to private practitioners who can conduct an ADHD assessment. But, it's essential to ensure that your GP will sign a shared care agreement before you start.
The Assessment
In the UK, due to long NHS waiting times, many adults with ADHD choose to have their assessment done and medications prescribed privately. Panorama's investigation reveals that not all private clinics follow regulations and may give incorrect diagnoses.
Psychiatrists are the only medical professionals able to officially diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication for adults. Other mental health professionals, such as counsellors, aren't able to perform this.
Most private assessment providers will require you to fill out a series of forms and questionnaires before your appointment, which they'll review prior to the time of your appointment. It is recommended to bring these questionnaires and forms and any other documents or data that might be helpful. For adhd diagnosis uk adults , if you were referred to them by your GP It is advisable to bring these along as well.
After your doctor has completed your questionnaire after which they will schedule an appointment to discuss the results and findings. You must bring the list of your symptoms (and any documents) since this information will be used to help them make an informed diagnosis. They will also discuss with you about your life and how ADHD has affected it to date. They might suggest that you talk to a close family member about your problems and the impact they have on your daily routine.
During this time your psychiatrist will talk with you about whether they believe you might be suffering from ADHD and what the best treatment options are for you. You will receive a thorough written report if they believe you have ADHD. They will talk about this with you and decide if you should take your diagnosis to your GP so they can be on the same page about your condition, treatment and management. It is recommended to present this report to your GP to discuss it in the event that you want them to prescribe medication under a Shared Care agreement with your psychiatrist. It is also an excellent idea to inform the DVLA if you have been diagnosed with ADHD because it could affect your driving ability.
Diagnosis
It's crucial to know what happens during the private diagnosis process if you're considering it. During the examination, you'll most likely meet a psychologist or psychiatrist as they are the only healthcare providers in the UK qualified to diagnose ADHD. The assessment will include an extensive review of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Your mental health specialist will also ask questions regarding your family history and any other issues you're struggling with.
Your doctor will examine your present symptoms and compare them with the criteria for ADHD for adults, as defined by the American Psychiatric Association. For example, he or will determine whether you are having trouble paying attention or following directions and the extent to which your hyperactivity is causing difficulties in keeping up with tasks. Your doctor will also need to determine if you've experienced these symptoms since childhood. This may mean asking your parents or teachers for details about the first time these symptoms started to appear.
The specialist will use tests like QbCheck to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. The specialist might also conduct a medical exam and ask you for several other tests. It could take up to two sessions.
During your interview, you'll be asked to give examples of how your symptoms impact your daily life. The psychiatrist or psychologist will also look into your family history and any other issues you're dealing with such as depression.
It's vital that you choose the most suitable therapist for your assessment. A reputable facility, such as Harley Psychiatrists in London, will conduct a thorough examination to find out whether you have ADHD. They can also provide you with an array of treatment options that are tailored to your particular needs.
There is a concern that some private providers are diagnosing people with ADHD too quickly, without a thorough evaluation. BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a facility that diagnosed a patient as having ADHD following a video-call, and gave him powerful medication.
It's important to note that a private diagnosis is not valid in the NHS, as your GP will not sign a shared care agreement to transfer your medication treatment to the NHS. This is because the majority of GPs don't have the skills or knowledge to determine ADHD.
Medication
The process of getting a diagnosis for ADHD as an adult can be a bit difficult and often involves gatekeepers. The attitude and knowledge of these individuals can affect the capacity of help seekers to get access to treatment.
If your GP is unable to refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment or if you are unhappy with the waiting times, then you may consider an assessment through a private doctor. Private assessments can cost as much as PS800 and require you to fill out questionnaires, an interview with a psychiatrist and mental health report. The cost can be prohibitive for some people, but it is possible to obtain an agreement for shared care with your physician that permits you to pay for the NHS prescription charge and see a private clinician for medication.
There is a concern however, that certain private providers are over-diagnosing ADHD particularly through online clinics. In an upcoming BBC Panorama "expose", a number cases were highlighted in which online assessments were not being conducted correctly. People who are addicted alcohol or drugs are often exhibiting symptoms similar to ADHD. These are referred to as comorbid symptoms and may include anxiety, depression or substance use disorders.
It is crucial to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis prior to taking stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamines) to treat the condition. These are class B drugs that could cause serious health issues if not used as directed. They also pose a substantial risk of addiction.
Many people with an antecedent of drug or alcohol use can reduce their symptoms by adjusting their surroundings, delegating tasks and employing assistants. However, it is important to note that these measures cannot substitute for an evaluation of psychiatric condition and a formally recognised diagnosis for workplace protections under the Equality Act.
Psychologists and counsellors can provide an ADHD assessment but they are not able to prescribe medication. In some instances a psychiatric nurse or psychiatrist could be able to provide this service but only if they have been educated in the process of diagnosing and have a valid medical certificate.
Some individuals are not diagnosed with ADHD because the GP feels that they don't meet the criteria or is considered that another diagnosis is more appropriate to explain the individual's problems. It's not necessarily an issue, but it can be frustrating when the symptoms are causing distress or affect your everyday life.
Therapy
A private diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that therapists can be less strict or bend the rules as when they work within NHS guidelines. Patients who are treated privately are still required to undergo a thorough evaluation that is based on the highest standards of practice and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines. If a private health care provider is found to have overdiagnosed ADHD They are likely to be disciplined by the appropriate authorities.
Many people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness techniques. Therapists collaborate closely with clients to assist them overcome obstacles and develop strategies to enhance 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.
CBT is designed to identify negative behaviors and teach healthy coping methods. These include procrastination, and poor time management, which are all symptoms of adult ADHD. Therapists will work with clients to teach them techniques that will reduce the symptoms they experience, while helping them create a supportive environment around themselves.
Many people who are diagnosed with adult ADHD are happy to be aware of the cause behind their issues. However, they may find that their diagnosis brings up many emotions that are difficult to handle. Fortunately, there are many support groups available to those who require it.
A mental health professional can recommend a treatment plan to treat ADHD symptoms that includes both medication and psychotherapy. The medication can aid in improving the concentration of a patient, stop them from losing things and allow them to remain still for longer periods of time so that they can learn new skills and listen attentively. A psychiatrist might prescribe stimulants such as methylphenidate for people suffering from ADHD symptoms.