Getting a Private Diagnosis For ADHD

Communication can be difficult for people with ADHD especially with coworkers and supervisors. This can make it difficult for them to succeed in school and at work.

GPs may refer patients to private specialists for an ADHD assessment. However, it's important to ensure that your GP will sign an agreement for shared care before you start.

The Assessment

In the UK there are many adults who suffer from ADHD prefer to get their assessment and medication prescribed privately due to the long NHS waiting times. However, as this Panorama investigation shows that not all private clinics are licensed and could be giving incorrect diagnoses.

Psychiatrists are the only medical professionals who can formally diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications for adults. Counsellors and other mental health professionals are not able to diagnose ADHD.

Most private assessment providers ask you to fill out a series questionnaires and forms prior your appointment. They will go through these forms before your meeting. It is essential to bring these forms with you and, if necessary additional information or documents that might be helpful. If you were advised by your GP to them, you should also bring these documents along with you.

After your doctor has completed your questionnaire, he or she will schedule an appointment to discuss the results and findings. Bring a list with your symptoms (and any evidence) to help them make a diagnosis. They will also discuss with you about your current life and how ADHD has affected it to date. They might suggest you speak to a close friend or family member about your issues and their impact on your daily routine.

During this period, your psychiatrist will be able to discuss with you whether they believe you may have ADHD and what the best treatment options are for you. You will receive a detailed written report if they believe you have ADHD. They will discuss with you if they feel you have ADHD and decide whether it is better to discuss this diagnosis with your GP. This allows both of you to be on the exact same page regarding your condition, treatment and management. It is recommended to take this report to your GP for discussion in the event that you need to have them prescribe medication under a Shared Care agreement with your psychiatrist. It is also an excellent idea to inform the DVLA when you've been diagnosed with ADHD as it could impact your driving ability.

Diagnosis

It is important to understand what goes on during the private diagnosis process if you're contemplating it. During the assessment you'll most likely meet a psychiatrist or a psychologist because they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK competent to diagnose ADHD. The test will include an thorough discussion of your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. Your mental health professional will ask questions regarding your family history and any other issues you're struggling with.

Your doctor will compare your symptoms with the add diagnostic criteria adults established by the American Psychiatric Association for ADHD in adults. The doctor will, for instance determine if you experience difficulty paying attention or following instructions and when your hyperactivity causes you to struggle with tasks. Your doctor will also need to know if you've experienced these symptoms since the time you were a child. This could include asking your teachers or parents for information about the first time these symptoms started to appear.

The specialist will use tests such as QbCheck to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. They may also conduct a medical interview and ask you for a variety of other assessments. This may take up to two sessions.

During the interview, your doctor will ask you to give examples of how your symptoms impact your daily life. The psychiatrist or psychologist will also look into your family background and any other issues you're dealing with 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 thorough assessment to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. They can also provide you with a range of treatment options that are tailored to your specific needs.

There is a concern that certain private providers are diagnosing people with ADHD too quickly and without doing a thorough assessment. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed the clinic that diagnosed a patient as having ADHD after a video call, and offered him powerful medications.

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 document to transfer your medication treatment to the NHS. This is because most GPs do not have the expertise or knowledge to recognize ADHD.

Medication

The process of obtaining an adult diagnosis of ADHD is complex and involves gatekeepers. The attitude and knowledge of these individuals can determine the ability for help-seekers to get access to treatment.

You might want to consider a private diagnosis if your GP refuses to refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment, or if you are unhappy with the waiting time. Private assessments can cost as much as PS800 and require filling out questionnaires, an appointment with a psychiatrist and mental health report. The cost can be prohibitive for some, but it is possible to obtain an agreement to share care with your doctor that allows you to pay the NHS prescription charge and see a private doctor for your medication.

There is a concern however, that certain private adhd diagnosis glasgow providers are over-diagnosing ADHD particularly through online clinics. In the recent BBC Panorama "expose", a number cases were highlighted where online assessments were not carried out correctly. In addition, people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs often show symptoms that are often confused with ADHD. These are called comorbid symptoms and can be characterized as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorder.

It is crucial to undergo an evaluation and diagnosis for psychiatric issues before taking stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamines) to treat the condition. These are class B substances and could cause serious health issues if not taken as prescribed. They also pose a significant risk of addiction.

Many people with an history of drug or alcohol use can ameliorate their symptoms by adjusting their environment, delegating tasks and utilizing assistants. However, it is important to note that these actions cannot replace a psychiatric evaluation and a formally recognised diagnosis for the purposes of workplace protections under the Equality Act.

Counsellors and psychologists can offer an ADHD assessment but they are not able prescribe medication. In some 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.

Certain people are not identified as ADHD by their GP because they believe that they do meet the criteria, or an alternative diagnosis could better explain the person's problems. This isn't necessarily a bad thing however it can be a source of frustration when the symptoms are troubling and affecting your daily routine.

Therapy

The fact that you have a private diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that therapists can be allowed to bend the rules or be less strict than if they worked within NHS guidelines. Patients who receive treatment privately must still undergo a thorough assessment which must be conducted in accordance with the highest standards of practice and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines. If a healthcare professional working for a private clinic is found to be exaggerating the diagnosis of ADHD it is likely that they will be disciplined by appropriate authorities.

Many people with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as mindfulness techniques. Therapists will collaborate closely with clients to help them overcome challenges and develop strategies to enhance their lives and lessen the effects of ADHD symptoms. This can be done in person or online via video conference, based on the location of the client.

CBT aims to identify the negative habits and teach healthy coping methods. These habits can include procrastination and poor time management, and difficulty focusing, all of which are signs of adult ADHD. Therapists work with clients to teach methods to reduce the symptoms they experience, while aiding them in creating an environment that is supportive of them.

Many people who receive a diagnosis of adult ADHD are happy to know the reason for their issues. However, they may find that their diagnosis brings up a lot of feelings that are difficult to handle. There are many support groups for those who require them.

A mental health professional can provide a treatment plan to treat ADHD symptoms that include psychotherapy and medication. The use of medication can improve a patient's concentration, prevent them from losing their belongings, and allow them to stay still for longer periods of time to learn new skills and be attentive to what they are hearing. In certain instances psychiatrists can prescribe stimulants such as methylphenidate to adults experiencing ADHD symptoms.