Getting a Private Diagnosis For ADHD
Communication can be difficult for people who suffer from ADHD particularly with coworkers and supervisors. This can make it difficult for them to succeed in school and at work.
GPs can refer to private practitioners for an ADHD assessment. It's important that you check with your GP if they will sign a shared-care contract prior to beginning.
The Assessment
In the UK, many adults with ADHD prefer to get their assessments and medications prescribed privately because of lengthy NHS waiting times. However, as this Panorama investigation reveals, not all private clinics are regulated and could be giving incorrect diagnoses.
Psychiatrists are the sole medical professionals who can formally diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications for adults. Counsellors and other mental health professionals cannot diagnose ADHD.
Most private assessment providers ask clients to fill out a series forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They will go through the forms prior to your appointment. It is recommended to bring these questionnaires and forms with you and any other documents or data that might be useful. If you were advised by your GP to them, you should also take these documents with you.
Once your psychiatrist has reviewed the questionnaires, they will schedule an appointment with you to discuss the results and the findings. You should bring an inventory of your symptoms with you (and any documents) because this information will be used to aid them in making a more informed diagnosis. They will also ask you about your present life and how ADHD has affected you in the past. They may suggest that you talk to your closest friend or family member about your symptoms and the impact they can have on your daily life.
During this period your GP will be able to discuss with you whether they believe that you may have ADHD and what the best treatment options are for you. If they feel you do have ADHD, you will receive an written report describing their findings. They will discuss this with you and decide whether you should refer your diagnosis to your GP so that they are on the same page regarding your condition, treatment, and management. It is a good idea to take this report to your GP for discussion should you suspect that you may like them to prescribe medication under the terms of a Shared Care agreement with your psychiatrist. You should also inform DVLA of the fact that your driving abilities is affected by ADHD.
Diagnosis
It is important to understand what happens during the private diagnosis process if you're contemplating it. In the course of your assessment, you'll likely see a psychiatrist or a psychologist because they are the only healthcare providers in the UK qualified to diagnose ADHD. The assessment will include an thorough discussion of your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. Your mental health professional might also inquire about your family history and any other issues that you're struggling with.
Your specialist will compare your symptoms to the criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association for ADHD in adults. For instance, he/ will determine if you are having trouble paying attention or following directions. You will also be assessed whether your hyperactivity causes difficulties in keeping up with tasks. Your doctor will also need to know if you've experienced these symptoms since childhood. This may mean asking your teachers or parents for details about the time when these issues first started to manifest.
The doctor will conduct tests such as QbCheck to determine if you have ADHD symptoms. He or she will also conduct a clinical interview and ask you to complete several other tests. It could take up to two sessions.
During the interview, your specialist will ask you to give examples of how your symptoms impact your daily life. read article or psychiatrist might ask about your family history and other issues you are facing like depression.
It's vital that you choose the right therapist to carry out your assessment. A reputable clinic such as Harley Psychiatrists, in London, will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine if you have ADHD. They will also provide various treatment options that are tailored to your needs.
There is a concern that certain private clinics are diagnosing patients with ADHD too quickly, without a thorough evaluation. BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a clinic which diagnosed a patient with ADHD following a video-call, and gave him powerful medication.
It's important to know that an individual diagnosis isn't valid in the NHS, as your GP will not sign a shared-care agreement document to transfer your medication to the NHS. This is because the majority of GPs don't have the necessary skills or knowledge to recognize ADHD.
Medication
The process of getting a diagnosis for ADHD as an adult can be a bit difficult and often involves gatekeepers. Their knowledge and attitude can determine the ability of a person to receive treatment.
You might want to think about a private diagnosis if your GP does not want to refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment, or if you are dissatisfied with the wait time. Private assessments can cost as much as PS800 and require you to fill out questionnaires, a meeting with a psychiatrist and psychiatric report. The cost can be prohibitive for some people, but it is possible to sign an agreement for shared care with your physician that permits you to pay the NHS prescription fee and visit an individual doctor for treatment.
There is concern however, that certain private providers are over-diagnosing ADHD, particularly through online clinics. In a recent BBC Panorama "expose", there were several instances where online assessments were not conducted properly. In addition, people who are dependent on alcohol or drugs often show symptoms that can be confused with ADHD. These are referred to as comorbid symptoms and can include anxiety, depression or a substance use disorder.
It is important to have an evaluation and diagnosis of psychiatric disorders before taking stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamines) for the condition. These are class B drugs that can cause serious health problems if not used as directed. They also pose a significant risk of addiction.
Many people who have an history of drug or alcohol abuse can ease their symptoms by changing their environment, delegating tasks and enlisting assistants. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these strategies are not a substitute for the need for a formal diagnosis or psychiatric assessment for the purposes of the Equality Act.
Psychologists and counsellors are able to provide an ADHD assessment, but they are not able prescribe medication. In some instances a psychiatric nurse or psychiatrist could be able to provide this service but only if they are certified in the diagnosis process and have a valid medical registration.
Certain people are not identified as ADHD by their GP because they believe they are in fact meeting the criteria, or an alternative diagnosis could better explain the person's issues. This is not necessarily a problem however it can be a source of frustration when the symptoms are troubling and impact on your daily life.
Therapy
The fact that you have a private diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that therapists are able to deviate from the norm or be less rigorous than if they worked within NHS guidelines. Patients who receive treatment in a private setting require an assessment that adheres to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines and best practices. If a healthcare professional in private practice is found to be overdiagnosing ADHD It is likely that they will be disciplined by appropriate authorities.
Many adults suffering from ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness practices. Therapists collaborate with clients to help them overcome challenges and develop strategies to improve their life and reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms. This can be conducted in person or via video conference, based on the location of the client.
The aim of CBT is to identify the root cause of a client's difficulties by teaching them healthy coping techniques and helping them recognize their negative habits. These habits can include procrastination and poor time management, and difficulty staying focused as signs of adult ADHD. Therapists work with clients to develop techniques that reduce symptoms and to create a safe and supportive environment.
Many adults who receive a diagnosis of adult ADHD are happy to understand the cause of their difficulties. However, they may find that their diagnosis triggers lots of emotions that are difficult to handle. There are many support groups for those who require them.
A mental health professional can recommend an treatment plan for ADHD symptoms that incorporates psychotherapy and medication. The use of medication can improve the concentration of a patient, stop them from losing items and enable them to stay still for longer periods of time to learn new skills and pay attention to their surroundings. In certain instances, a psychiatrist may prescribe stimulants such as methylphenidate for adults who are suffering from ADHD symptoms.