Getting a Private Diagnosis For ADHD People suffering from ADHD may have trouble communicating with their co-workers, supervisors and teachers. This can make it difficult for them to achieve success in school and at work. The GP can refer patients to private practitioners who are able to conduct an ADHD assessment. It's crucial to ensure that your GP will sign an agreement to share care prior to you begin. The Assessment In the UK there are many adults who suffer from ADHD opt to have their assessments and medications prescribed privately due to the long NHS waiting times. However as this Panorama investigation shows, not all private clinics are regulated and could be giving incorrect diagnoses. Psychiatrists are the sole medical professionals able to officially diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication for adults. Other mental health professionals like counsellors cannot do this. The majority of private assessment companies will require you to fill out various questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment, which they'll 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. For example, if you have been recommended to them by your GP, it's worth bringing them along with you. After your psychiatrist has completed your questionnaire and has a look at your medical records, they will set up an appointment to discuss the results and their findings. Bring a list of your symptoms (and any documentation) to help them make the diagnosis. They will also inquire about your current situation and how ADHD has affected you in the past. They may also suggest talking to an immediate family member or friend about your issues and how they affect your daily routine. During this time your psychiatrist will discuss with you whether they believe you might have ADHD and what the best treatment options are for you. You will be provided with a detailed written report if they believe that you have ADHD. They will discuss this with you and determine if you should take your diagnosis to your GP so they can be on the same page about your condition, treatment, and management. It is recommended to bring 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 a good idea to inform the DVLA that you have been diagnosed with ADHD because 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. In the course of your assessment, you'll likely meet a psychologist or psychiatrist because they are the only healthcare professionals in the UK qualified to diagnose ADHD. The assessment will include a thorough examination of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Your mental health specialist will also ask questions about your family history and any other issues you're struggling with. Your doctor will examine your current symptoms and compare them to the criteria for ADHD in adults as set by the American Psychiatric Association. The doctor will, for instance examine if you are having difficulties paying attention or following directions and when your hyperactivity makes you struggle with tasks. Your doctor should determine if you've experienced these symptoms since the age of a child. You might need to inquire with your parents or teachers when the symptoms first began. The specialist will employ various tests to determine if you have symptoms of ADHD like the QbCheck. He or she will also conduct a psychotherapy interview and ask you to complete several other tests. This could take up to 2 sessions. During your interview, you'll be asked to give examples of how your symptoms impact your daily life. The psychologist or psychiatrist may also ask about your family history, and other issues you are facing like depression. It's important to choose the right therapist for your assessment. A reputable clinic like Harley Psychiatrists, in London will conduct a thorough examination to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. They will also offer a range of treatment options that are adapted to your individual requirements. Some private providers may be diagnosing ADHD patients too quickly, without a thorough assessment. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed the clinic that diagnosed a patient as having ADHD after a video call and gave him powerful medication. It's important to note 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 due to the fact that many GPs lack the knowledge of skills, experience, and knowledge to diagnose ADHD. Medication The process of obtaining an assessment for ADHD as an adult can be a bit difficult and often involves gatekeepers. These people's knowledge and attitudes can make or break the person's ability to receive treatment. If your GP is unable to refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment or you are unhappy with the wait times then you might consider private diagnosis. Private assessments can cost up to PS800 and require you to fill out questionnaires, an interview with a psychiatrist and a psychiatric report. The cost may be prohibitive for some, but it is possible to get an agreement for shared care with your GP to allow you to pay for the NHS prescription charge and see an individual doctor for treatment. However, there is a concern that some private providers are over-diagnosing ADHD particularly through online clinics. A recent BBC Panorama 'expose' highlighted several instances in which online assessments were not correctly performed. Additionally, those who are dependent on drugs or alcohol often exhibit symptoms that can be confused with ADHD. These symptoms are known as comorbid and may include anxiety or depression. Before you take stimulants for this condition (methylphenidate or amphetamines), it is important to obtain a psychiatric diagnosis and evaluation. These are class B substances and can cause serious health problems if not used as directed. They also carry a high chance of becoming addicted. Many people who have a history of drug or alcohol use can ease their symptoms by altering their surroundings, delegating tasks and taking assistants. It is important to remember, however, that these actions do not replace the need for a formal diagnosis or psychotherapy assessment for the purpose of the Equality Act. Psychologists and counsellors can provide an ADHD assessment but they are not able prescribe medication. In certain cases, psychiatrists or psychiatric nurses may be able to provide this assessment however only if the individual is trained in the process of diagnosing and has a valid medical license. Some people aren't diagnosed as having ADHD by their GP because they believe they do meet the criteria, or that an alternative diagnosis could better explain the person's problems. This is not necessarily a problem but it can be frustrating if the symptoms are distressing and affecting your daily life. Therapy A private diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that therapists will be less strict or bend the rules as when they work within NHS guidelines. Patients who are treated in a private setting still must undergo an assessment that adheres to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines and best practices. If a private healthcare professional is found to be averse to diagnosing ADHD it is likely that they will be reprimanded 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 their clients to overcome difficulties and develop strategies that can improve life and reduce the effects ADHD symptoms. This can be done in person or via video conferencing, based on the location of the client. CBT aims to identify the bad habits and teach healthy coping techniques. These are the habits that cause procrastination and poor time management and poor time management, which are all signs of adult ADHD. Therapists will work with clients to teach methods to reduce their symptoms, as well as helping them create an environment of support for themselves. Many adults who receive a diagnosis of adult ADHD are relieved to be aware of the cause behind their difficulties. They might also discover that their diagnosis may cause a variety of emotions that are difficult for them to handle. There are a variety of support groups for those who require it. If https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/ looking to receive treatment for their ADHD symptoms, a mental health professional can provide the patient with a treatment plan which includes psychotherapy and medication. Medication can help to improve a patient's concentration, prevent them from losing their belongings and enable them to stay still for longer periods of time to learn new skills and listen attentively. A psychiatrist may prescribe stimulants like methylphenidate to adults with ADHD symptoms.