Blog entry by Norris Rowe
Getting a Private Diagnosis For ADHD
People with ADHD may have trouble communicating with their supervisors, coworkers, and teachers. This makes it difficult for them to succeed in school and at work.
GPs can refer to private providers for an ADHD assessment. It is important to confirm with your GP whether they'll sign a shared-care contract prior to proceeding.
The Assessment
In the UK because of the lengthy NHS waiting times, many people suffering from ADHD prefer to have their test performed and prescribed medications privately. However, as this Panorama investigation reveals, not all private clinics are regulated and may be handing out incorrect diagnoses.
Psychiatrists are the sole medical professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications for adults. Other mental health professionals like counsellors aren't able to perform this.
Most private assessment providers will require you to fill in a series of forms and questionnaires before your appointment, which they review prior to the time of your appointment. It is recommended to bring these forms and questionnaires with you along with any other documents or information that may be useful. If you were referred by your GP to them, you should also bring these documents with you.
Once your psychiatrist has looked over the questionnaires, they'll schedule an appointment with you to discuss your results and their findings. Bring a list of your symptoms (and any documentation) in order to aid in determining the diagnosis. They will also inquire about your present life and how ADHD has affected you so far. They might also suggest speaking to your family member or a close friend about your symptoms and how they impact on your daily life.
During this time your psychiatrist will discuss with you whether they believe you might be suffering from ADHD and what the best treatment options are for you. If they believe you have ADHD you will be provided with a written report detailing their findings. They will talk about this with you and decide whether you should refer your diagnosis to your GP to ensure that they are on the same page regarding your condition, treatment, and treatment. It is recommended to bring this report to your GP to discuss should you suspect that you may want them to prescribe medication under the terms of a Shared Care agreement with your psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to inform the DVLA if you have been diagnosed with ADHD because it could affect your driving abilities.
Diagnosis
If you're thinking of having a private diagnosis it's crucial to know what the procedure involves. You'll likely be consulted by an audiologist or psychiatrist during the assessment, as they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The assessment will include an extensive review of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Your mental health professional might also inquire about your family history and any other issues you are dealing with.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms to the criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association for ADHD in adults. He or she will, for example, assess if you have difficulty paying attention or following instructions, and when your hyperactivity causes you to struggle with tasks. Your doctor will want to know if you have experienced these symptoms since the age of a child. This could mean asking your teachers or parents for information about when these problems first arose.
The specialist will employ several tests to determine if you are suffering from ADHD, such as the QbCheck. He or she will also conduct a clinical interview and ask you to take a number of other assessments. It could take up to two sessions.
During the interview, your doctor will ask you to provide examples of how your symptoms affect your daily life. The psychologist or psychiatrist will also review your family history as well as any other issues you're experiencing, such as depression.
It is essential to select the most appropriate therapist for your assessment. A reputable facility like Harley Psychiatrists, in London, will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you have ADHD. They will also offer a range tailored treatment options.
There is a concern that some private practitioners are diagnosing add adhd in adults patients with ADHD too quickly, without conducting a thorough assessment. BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a clinic that diagnosed a patient as having ADHD following a video-call, and gave him powerful medication.
It's important to know that a private diagnosis is not 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 due to the fact that most GPs don't have the necessary skills or knowledge to recognize ADHD.
Medication
The process of obtaining an assessment for ADHD as an adult is a complex process that often involves gatekeepers. The knowledge and attitudes of these people can make or break the capacity of help seekers to get access to treatment.
You might want to think about an assessment by a private doctor if your GP is unable to refer you for a NHS ADHD assessment, or if you are dissatisfied with the wait time. Private assessments can cost as much as PS800. They consist of a questionnaire, an interview with a psychiatrist, and an assessment report. Some people find the cost prohibitive, however you can sign an agreement for shared-care with your doctor which allows you to pay NHS prescription fees and see a private doctor for medication.
There is concern however that some private providers are over-diagnosing ADHD especially through online clinics. A recent BBC Panorama 'expose' highlighted a number of cases in which online tests were not properly conducted. In addition, people who diagnosed adhd are addicted to alcohol or drugs frequently exhibit symptoms that can be confused with ADHD. These symptoms are referred to as comorbid and can include depression or anxiety.
Before taking stimulants for this condition (methylphenidate or amphetamines) it is essential to obtain a psychiatric diagnosis and evaluation. These are class B substances and can cause serious health problems when not taken in the manner prescribed. They also pose a significant risk of addiction.
Many people who have an addiction history to drugs and alcohol abuse can alleviate their symptoms by changing their environment, delegating their tasks and hiring assistants. It is important to note that these measures cannot substitute for the need for a psychiatric assessment and a medically recognized diagnosis for workplace protections under the Equality Act.
Counsellors and psychologists can provide an ADHD assessment however they are not able to prescribe medication. In certain instances, private diagnosis of ADHD a psychiatrist or psychiatric nursing can perform this assessment, but only if the person is properly trained in the diagnosis process and is licensed as a medical professional.
Certain people aren't diagnosed with ADHD because the GP believes that they don't meet the criteria or is thought that another diagnosis is more appropriate to explain the individual's difficulties. It's not an issue, but it can be frustrating when the symptoms are troubling or impact your daily life.
Therapy
Having a private diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that therapists can be allowed to evade the rules or be less strict than if they were working within NHS guidelines. Patients who are treated privately must still undergo a thorough assessment that must adhere to best practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines. If a private adhd diagnosis cost healthcare professional is found to have an overdiagnosed ADHD They are likely to be disciplined by appropriate authorities.
In addition to a thorough psychological examination, many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD also benefit from cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT) and mindfulness techniques. Therapists work closely with their clients to overcome obstacles and devise strategies that can improve their lives and lessen the effects ADHD symptoms. This can be done in person or online via video conferencing, based on the location of the client.
CBT seeks to recognize negative habits and teach healthy coping methods. These are the habits that cause procrastination and poor time management and poor time management, which are all signs of adult ADHD. Therapists will help clients learn from strategies to lessen the symptoms they experience, while helping them create an environment that is supportive of them.
Adult ADHD is a frequent diagnosis for adults who are relieved that they finally have an explanation for their troubles. They may also find that their diagnosis may bring up many feelings that are difficult for them to handle. There are plenty of support groups available to those who need it.
A mental health professional can provide a treatment plan to treat ADHD symptoms that incorporates psychotherapy and medication. Medication can improve a patient’s concentration, assist them in not lose things, and enable them to sit still longer so that they can learn and listen attentively. A psychiatrist can prescribe stimulants such as methylphenidate to people suffering from ADHD symptoms.