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Getting a Private Diagnosis For ADHD People suffering from ADHD can have difficulty communicating with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. This makes it difficult for them to achieve success at work and school. The GP can refer patients to private providers who are able to conduct an ADHD assessment. But, it's essential to check that your GP will sign an agreement for shared care before you proceed. The Assessment In the UK because of the lengthy NHS waiting times, many adults with ADHD choose to have their assessment done and medications prescribed privately. Panorama's research reveals that not all private clinics follow guidelines and could give inaccurate diagnoses. Only psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD in adults and prescribe medication. Counsellors and other mental health professionals cannot diagnose ADHD. Most private assessment providers ask you to fill in an array of forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. I Am Psychiatry will review these forms prior to your appointment. It is crucial to bring these forms with you and in the event of a need, any other documents or information that could be useful. For instance, if you have been referred to them by your GP, it's worth bringing them along with you. After your doctor has completed your questionnaire after which they will set up an appointment to discuss the results and their findings. Bring a list of symptoms (and any documentation), as this will help them make a diagnosis. They will also inquire about your present life and how ADHD has affected you to date. They might also suggest speaking to an immediate family member or friend about your issues and how they impact on your daily routine. During this period your psychiatrist will discuss with you whether they believe that you might have ADHD and what the best treatment options are for you. If they feel you do have ADHD, you will receive an written report describing their findings. They will discuss with you if they think you are suffering from ADHD and will decide whether 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 treatment. It is a good idea to bring this report to your GP to discuss if you think you might need to have them prescribe medication under an Shared Care agreement with your psychiatrist. You should also inform DVLA of the fact that your driving abilities is affected by ADHD. Diagnosis If you're thinking about getting a private diagnosis it is important to know what the procedure involves. You'll likely meet with an audiologist or psychiatrist for the assessment, since they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The assessment will include a thorough discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Your mental health professional might also ask you about your family background and any other issues you are dealing with. Your specialist will compare your symptoms with the criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Association for ADHD in adults. For instance, he/ will determine if you have difficulty paying attention or following directions and whether your hyperactivity results in difficulty keeping up with tasks. Your doctor should determine if you've been experiencing these symptoms since your childhood. This may mean asking your parents or teachers for details on the first time these symptoms started to appear. The specialist will employ several tests to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD like the QbCheck. The specialist might also conduct a medical exam and request several other tests. It could take up to two sessions. During the interview, your specialist will ask you to give examples of how your symptoms affect your daily life. The psychologist or psychiatrist will also look into your family history as well as any other issues you're experiencing, such as depression. It's important to choose the most appropriate therapist for your assessment. A reputable clinic, like Harley Psychiatrists in London, will use a comprehensive assessment to determine whether you suffer from ADHD. They will also provide you with various treatment options that are tailored to your needs. There is a possibility that private clinics are diagnosing patients with ADHD too quickly and without conducting a thorough assessment. BBC's Panorama program recently exposed a facility that diagnosed a patient as having ADHD through a video call and prescribed him a powerful medication. It's important to note that an individual diagnosis isn't valid in the NHS Your GP will not sign a shared care agreement to transfer your medication to the NHS. This is because most GPs do not have the expertise, knowledge, or experience to determine ADHD. Medication The process of obtaining an adult diagnosis of ADHD is complicated and requires gatekeepers. The attitude and knowledge of these people can affect the capacity of help seekers to gain access to treatment. You may want to consider the possibility of a private diagnosis if you're GP does not want to refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment or if you're unhappy with the waiting time. Private assessments can cost up to PS800. They include an interview, a questionnaire with a psychiatrist and the report. Some people find the expense prohibitive, but you can sign an agreement for shared-care with your doctor which allows you to pay NHS prescription charges and see a private practitioner for medication. However, there is concern that some private practitioners are over-diagnosing ADHD particularly through online clinics. In the recent BBC Panorama “expose”, several cases were highlighted where online assessments were not carried out correctly. Additionally, those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs often show symptoms that could be confused with ADHD. These are referred to as comorbid symptoms and may be characterized as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders. It is essential to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis prior to taking stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamines) for the condition. These substances are classified as class B and could cause serious problems within the body if they are not taken in accordance with prescription. They also carry a significant risk of addiction. Many people who have an history of drug or alcohol abuse can alleviate their symptoms by altering their environment, delegating tasks and enlisting assistants. It is crucial to remember that these actions cannot replace the need for a psychiatric assessment and a medically recognized diagnosis for the purposes of workplace protections under the Equality Act. Psychologists and counsellors are able to provide an ADHD assessment, but they aren't able to prescribe medication. In some cases a psychiatrist or psychiatric nursing may be able to provide this assessment however only if the individual is certified in the process of diagnosing and has a valid medical license. Some people are not diagnosed with ADHD because the GP feels that they do not meet the criteria or is considered that another diagnosis is more appropriate to explain the individual's problems. It is not necessarily a negative thing, but can be frustrating when the symptoms are causing distress or affect your daily life. Therapy 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 are treated 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 private healthcare professional is found to be averse to diagnosing ADHD It is likely that they will be disciplined by appropriate authorities. Many adults with ADHD benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as and mindfulness techniques. Therapists work closely with clients to assist them overcome their challenges and devise strategies that will enhance their lives and lessen the effects of ADHD symptoms. This can be accomplished in person or via a video conference, depending on the location of the client. The aim of CBT is to address the root of a client's issues by teaching them healthy coping techniques and helping them identify their problematic habits. These habits include procrastination and poor time management, which are all symptoms of adult ADHD. Therapists assist clients in teaching them techniques that will reduce their symptoms, as well as helping them create a supportive environment around themselves. Adult ADHD is a common diagnosis for adults who are relieved that they have finally found an explanation for their issues. However, they may find that their diagnosis triggers a lot of feelings that are difficult to handle. There are many support groups for those who need them. A mental health professional can provide a treatment plan to treat ADHD symptoms that incorporates medication and psychotherapy. Treatment can help improve a patient's concentration, help them not lose items, and help them to stay still so that they can be able to concentrate and listen with a keen eye. In certain instances, a psychiatrist may prescribe stimulants, such as methylphenidate for people who are suffering from ADHD symptoms.