Getting a Private Diagnosis For ADHD
People with ADHD may have trouble communicating with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. This can make it difficult for them to achieve success at work and school.
GPs can recommend patients to private professionals who are able to conduct an ADHD assessment. However, it's important to confirm that your GP will sign an agreement to share care prior to you proceed.
The Assessment
In the UK because of the lengthy NHS waiting times, many adults with ADHD choose to have their assessments conducted and prescriptions made privately. However as this Panorama investigation reveals that not all private clinics are licensed and could be giving incorrect diagnoses.
Psychiatrists are the only medical professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication for adults. Counsellors and other mental health professionals cannot diagnose ADHD.
Most private assessment providers will ask you to complete several forms and questionnaires before your appointment, which they review prior to your appointment. It is recommended to bring these forms and questionnaires with you and any other documents or information that could be helpful. For instance, if you have been recommended to them by your GP, it's worth bringing these along as well.
Once your psychiatrist has looked over the questionnaires, they'll schedule an appointment to discuss the results and their findings. Bring a list with your symptoms (and any evidence), as this will help them make an assessment. They will also ask you about your life now and how ADHD has affected you to date. They might suggest you talk to a close family member about your problems and the impact they have on your daily activities.
During adhd diagnosis uk adults will talk with you about whether or not they believe you might have ADHD and the best treatment options for you. You will receive a thorough written report if they believe that you have ADHD. They will then discuss the findings with you and decide if you should take your diagnosis to your GP so that they are on the same page regarding your condition, treatment and management. It is recommended to take this report to your GP to discuss it should you suspect that you may need to have them prescribe medication under a Shared Care agreement with your psychiatrist. It is also recommended to inform the DVLA when you've been diagnosed with ADHD since it could affect your driving ability.
Diagnosis
It's important 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 during the evaluation, since they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The test will include an thorough discussion of your symptoms, and how they affect your life. Your mental health specialist will also ask questions about your family history as well as any other issues you're struggling with.
Your specialist will compare your symptoms with the criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association for ADHD in adults. For instance, he/ will determine whether you have trouble paying attention or following directions, and whether your hyperactivity causes difficulties with completing tasks. Your doctor will also want to know whether you have had trouble with these symptoms since the time you were a child. This could include asking your teachers or parents for details on when these problems first arose.
The specialist will employ various tests to determine whether you have symptoms of ADHD like the QbCheck. The specialist may conduct a medical examination and ask you for various other tests. This could take as long as 2 sessions.
During the interview, your doctor will ask you to provide examples of how your symptoms impact your daily life. The psychiatrist or psychologist will also examine your family history and 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 you various treatment options that are tailored to your particular requirements.
Some private providers may be diagnosing ADHD patients too quickly, without thorough examination. BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a clinic which diagnosed a patient with ADHD following a video-call, and prescribed him a powerful medication.
It is important to remember 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 most GPs don't have the necessary skills or knowledge to recognize ADHD.
Medication
The process for getting an adult diagnosis of ADHD is complex and involves gatekeepers. Their knowledge and attitude can make or break a person's ability to get treatment.
You might want to consider the possibility of a private diagnosis if you're GP refuses to refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment or if you're unhappy with the time it takes to wait. Private assessments cost up to PS800. They consist of an interview with a psychiatrist and a report. The cost can be prohibitive for some people, but it is possible to obtain an agreement to share care with your physician that permits you to pay for the NHS prescription fee and visit a private doctor for your medication.
There is concern, however, that some private providers are over-diagnosing ADHD especially through online clinics. In an upcoming 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 are often confused with ADHD. These symptoms are referred to as comorbid and can include depression or anxiety.
Before you take stimulants for this condition (methylphenidate or amphetamines) it is crucial to obtain a psychiatric diagnosis and evaluation. These are class B drugs and could cause serious health issues when not taken in the manner prescribed. They also pose a substantial risk of addiction.
Many people with a history of drug and alcohol abuse can alleviate their symptoms by changing their environment, delegating tasks and enlisting assistants. However, it is vital to remember that these methods cannot replace the need for a psychiatric assessment and a formally recognised diagnosis for workplace protections under the Equality Act.
Psychologists and counsellors can provide an ADHD evaluation but they are not able prescribe medication. In some cases a psychiatrist or psychiatric nursing can perform this assessment, however only if the individual is properly trained in the process of diagnosing and is licensed as a medical professional.
Certain people are not identified as having ADHD by their GP because they believe they are in fact meeting the criteria, or other diagnoses would better explain the person's issues. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but it can be frustrating when the symptoms are causing distress and affecting your daily routine.
Therapy
Having a private diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that therapists are able to bend the rules or be less rigorous than if they were working within NHS guidelines. Patients who receive treatment privately are still required to undergo a thorough evaluation which must be conducted in accordance with the highest standards of practice and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines. If a private health care provider is found to have overdiagnosed ADHD the patient is likely to be disciplined by the appropriate authorities.
In addition to a thorough psychological examination Many adults diagnosed with ADHD also benefit from cognitive treatment for behavioural problems (CBT) and mindfulness techniques. Therapists collaborate closely with clients to assist them overcome challenges and develop strategies that can improve their lives and reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms. This can be accomplished in person or through a video conference, depending on where the client is located.
CBT aims to identify the negative habits and teach healthy coping methods. These include procrastination and poor time management and trouble focus, all of which are signs of adult ADHD. Therapists collaborate with clients on strategies that help reduce symptoms and create a supportive environment.
Many people who receive a diagnosis of adult ADHD are relieved to finally know the reason for their difficulties. However, they might discover that their diagnosis brings up lots of emotions that are difficult to deal with. There are many support groups for those who need them.
A mental health professional can offer a treatment plan for ADHD symptoms that include medication and psychotherapy. Medication can improve a patient’s concentration, help them not lose things, and enable them to remain still for longer so that they can learn and listen attentively. In certain instances psychiatrists may prescribe stimulants such as methylphenidate to adults suffering from ADHD symptoms.