Getting a Private Diagnosis For ADHD
People with ADHD are often unable to communicate with their supervisors, coworkers, and teachers. ADHD Diagnosis can make it hard for them to achieve success at school and work.
GPs may refer patients to private specialists for 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 prefer to have their assessment conducted and prescriptions made privately. Panorama's research reveals that not all private clinics follow guidelines and could give inaccurate diagnoses.
Psychiatrists are the only medical professionals who can formally diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication for adults. Counsellors and other mental health professionals cannot diagnose ADHD.
The majority of private assessment providers require you to fill out a series forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They will review the forms prior to your appointment. It is recommended to bring these questionnaires and forms with you along with any other documents or data that might be helpful. For instance, if you have been referred to them by your GP, it's worth bringing these along as well.
Once your psychiatrist has reviewed the questionnaires, they will schedule an appointment to discuss your results and the results they have derived. Bring a list of your symptoms (and any documentation), as this will help them make a diagnosis. They will also talk to you about your personal life and how ADHD has affected it to date. They may suggest you speak to a close family member about your issues and the impact they have on your daily routine.
During this time your psychiatrist will discuss with you whether they believe that you may have ADHD and what the best treatment options are for you. If they believe that you have ADHD you will be provided with an written report describing their findings. They will discuss with you whether they believe you have ADHD and decide if it is best to take this diagnosis to your GP. This allows both of you to be on the exact the same page with regards to your condition, treatment and management. You should discuss the report with your GP should you wish them to prescribe medication as part of an Shared care agreement with your psychiatrist. It is also recommended to inform the DVLA that you have been diagnosed with ADHD as it could impact your driving abilities.
Diagnosis
If you're considering receiving a diagnosis privately, it's important to understand what the procedure involves. In the course of your assessment, you'll likely meet a psychologist or psychiatrist because they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK certified to diagnose ADHD. The assessment will include a thorough review of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Your mental health professional will also inquire about your family history and any other issues you're struggling with.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms with the criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association for ADHD in adults. They will, for instance, assess if you have difficulties paying attention or following directions and when your hyperactivity makes you struggle with tasks. Your doctor will also want to know whether you have had trouble with these symptoms since the time you were a child. This may mean asking your parents or teachers for details on when these problems first arose.
The specialist will conduct tests like QbCheck to determine if you have ADHD symptoms. They may also conduct a medical exam and request various other tests. This could take up to 2 sessions.
During your interview, you will be asked to give examples of how symptoms affect your daily life. The psychologist or psychiatrist may also ask about your family history, and other issues that you face, such as depression.
It is essential to select the right therapist for your assessment. A reputable clinic like Harley Psychiatrists, in London, will conduct a comprehensive examination to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. They will also offer various treatment options that are adapted to your individual requirements.
Some private providers may be diagnosing ADHD patients too quickly, and without a thorough examination. BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a clinic that identified a patient with ADHD through a video call and offered him powerful medications.
It's important to know that a private diagnosis isn't valid in the NHS, as your GP will not sign a shared-care agreement document to transfer your medication treatment to the NHS. This is because the majority of GPs don't have the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience to recognize ADHD.
Medication
The process of obtaining an assessment for ADHD as an adult is complex and often involves gatekeepers. The attitude and knowledge of these individuals can determine the ability of those seeking help to gain access to treatment.
You may want to consider an assessment by a private doctor if your GP is unable 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. The cost can be prohibitive for some, however it is possible to obtain an agreement for shared care with your physician that permits you to pay for the NHS prescription cost and then see an individual doctor for treatment.
There is a concern, however, that some private providers are over-diagnosing ADHD particularly through online clinics. A recent BBC Panorama 'expose' highlighted several instances where the online assessments were not correctly conducted. Additionally, those who are dependent on drugs or alcohol often exhibit symptoms that could be confused with ADHD. These are known as comorbid signs and may include depression, anxiety or substance use disorder.
Before taking stimulants for this condition (methylphenidate or amphetamines) it is essential to get a psychiatric diagnosis and evaluation. These drugs are classified as class B and may cause serious health issues in the body if they are not taken according to prescription. They also carry a high risk of addiction.
Many people who have an history of drug or alcohol abuse can ease their symptoms by altering their environment, delegating tasks and hiring assistants. It is important to remember that these actions do not replace an official diagnosis and psychiatric assessment for the purposes of the Equality Act.
Psychologists and counsellors can provide an ADHD evaluation however they are not able to prescribe medication. In certain cases, a psychiatrist or psychiatric nursing can provide this assessment, but only if the person is trained in the process of diagnosing and is licensed as a medical professional.
Some people are not diagnosed with ADHD because the GP thinks they do not meet the criteria or it is thought that another diagnosis is more appropriate to explain the individual's difficulties. It's not something to be worried about, but it is frustrating when the symptoms are distressing or impact your daily routine.
Therapy
A private diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that therapists are able to bend the rules or be less strict than if they were working within NHS guidelines. Patients who are seen privately still need to undergo a comprehensive assessment that is based on the highest standards of practice and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines. If a healthcare professional in private practice is found to be exaggerating the diagnosis of ADHD, it is likely that they will be disciplined by the appropriate authorities.
Many adults suffering from ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness practices. Therapists will collaborate closely with clients to assist them overcome obstacles and develop strategies that will improve their life and reduce the impact of ADHD symptoms. This can be done in person or via video conference, depending on the location of the client.
CBT's goal is to find the root cause of a client's difficulties by giving them healthy coping skills and helping them identify their problematic habits. These can include procrastination and poor time management and trouble focus, all of which are symptoms of adult ADHD. Therapists work with clients to develop strategies that help reduce symptoms and help them create a positive environment.
Adult ADHD is a frequent diagnosis for adults who are happy that they have finally found an explanation for their troubles. However, they might find that their diagnosis triggers a lot of feelings that are difficult to manage. There are many support groups for those who require them.
A mental health professional can recommend an treatment plan for ADHD symptoms that includes both psychotherapy and medication. 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 may prescribe stimulants like methylphenidate to those suffering from ADHD symptoms.