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Getting a Private Diagnosis of ADHD ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adulthood. This could be due to NHS waiting lists that are causing delays in services or because GPs have preconceived ideas about what an adult with ADHD could look like. Psychiatrists are only mental health professionals that can provide you with a legally acknowledged diagnosis of ADHD. You will need this if you wish to receive medication on the NHS as part of a shared care arrangement. Medication Many patients choose to consult a private doctor for assessment and treatment because the wait times are so long. This is usually because they want to avoid long NHS waiting lists and get an assessment as soon as they can. However, it's important to remember that the private diagnosis doesn't mean that you will automatically be prescribed medication. Doctors are free to choose not to prescribe any medications when they feel it's not appropriate. It is important to know that a private psychiatrist can only give a diagnosis after a complete medical assessment. This may include an examination as well as a discussion about your symptoms. Screening for mental health is also essential because conditions like depression and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers also suffer from mental health issues. Therefore, it is crucial to diagnose the condition correctly so that you can receive the proper treatment. Medications for ADHD are referred to as stimulants, and they work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals such as Dopamine and Norepinephrine. These chemicals are responsible in controlling movement, activity and attention. When people take the right dose of stimulants, it is an extremely pleasant experience and is often compared to wearing glasses for the first time. They experience immediate relief from their symptoms. While there is no doubt that ADHD medication can be helpful, it does have some negative side consequences that shouldn't be overlooked. It can cause insomnia, an increase in blood pressure and heart rate and in rare cases even psychosis if it is not used correctly. It is vital to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the medication with your psychiatrist before you decide whether to proceed with it. Counseling Many people who have undiagnosed ADHD struggle to understand why they behave the way that they do. They might be unable to cope at work or in relationships. The disorder can cause them to be frustrated, angry or sad. Getting a private diagnosis of ADHD can assist people in getting the treatment that they need. If you suspect that you may have ADHD, you should first consult a psychiatrist to get an assessment. The doctor will ask questions about your past and what symptoms you are experiencing. The doctor will conduct tests to determine if you suffer from ADHD or any other mental health issues. If they conclude that you have ADHD and other mental health issues, you will receive an assessment. They may prescribe medication. You can find ADHD testing providers online or at an office for medical care. They can be psychiatrists or neuropsychologists. Some of these professionals call themselves ADHD specialists. They also offer psychoanalysis tests to exclude other conditions, such as bipolar disorder or depression. The NHS constitution states that you should be given an appointment to see a doctor within 18 weeks of having a GP appointment. However, many people are waiting longer than this. People who have the money to pay for a private examination can avoid the long waiting lists. Private assessments can be costly, so it is important to consider the advantages and costs carefully. Some people are unable be diagnosed with ADHD because their GP has a preconceived idea of what ADHD looks like. These stereotypes can cause them to feel ashamed about seeking treatment. Some individuals may be denied treatment because of their gender, race or medical status. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a resounding relief, especially for adults who have struggled for years with symptoms that they could not explain. However, it could also result in problems with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Some individuals may even be suicidal because of the stigma that surrounds ADHD. Patients diagnosed with ADHD are able to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change negative patterns of behavior and thinking. It can also boost self-esteem and improve organizational skills. Therapists can provide support groups and other resources in addition to CBT. Education A private diagnosis can aid you in understanding why you behave as you do. You could have a medical condition that is causing your symptoms like sleep apnea or depression. Your specialist may also recommend lifestyle changes to lessen the symptoms. Regular exercise and healthy eating can make a big impact on your symptoms. A private diagnosis can help you get accommodations for work or school. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to find the best treatment for their issues. This is due to the fact that the public health system isn't able to dealing with people suffering from neurodivergent illnesses like ADHD. The waiting times for ADHD assessments can be long. The NHS Constitution states that patients should receive an assessment within 18 weeks following a referral from a GP, but this doesn't always happen. Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and go over your medical history with you when you receive a personal diagnosis. They will ask you questions about how you have lived with your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Your specialist will also consider your family history of mental health issues, and will ask whether you have relatives with ADHD. Your doctor will determine if you have the right criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. The main criteria are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone displays certain traits at some point, people with ADHD exhibit them more frequently than other people. If you have at least six of these traits present in your life today and even as in your childhood, you may be diagnosed with ADHD. Your specialist may also perform additional tests to rule out medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. For instance, they could test for blood pressure and heart rate, or have a thorough physical exam. These tests can help identify any problems that are underlying and need to be dealt with prior to prescribing any medication for ADHD. They will then formulate treatment plans that is tailored to you. For instance, they could recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or therapy sessions. Support People suffering from ADHD are often misunderstood with stereotypes of childish, lazy or scatterbrained behaviour. This can make a person be hesitant to seek out an assessment. However, many patients find that a diagnosis gives them a sense of clarity and relief. It is the first step in understanding their symptoms and figuring out strategies to manage them. Psychiatrists who have extensive experience in this field are usually the ones who conduct private assessments. The assessment is usually conducted through video calls. The psychiatrist will ask about your symptoms and the impact on you in various situations. They will also inquire about any mental health issues in your family and other problems you may be experiencing. They will then evaluate your condition using the DSM V criteria for ADHD and will tell whether you meet the criteria for diagnosis. If they don't diagnose you they will explain the reason. It could be due to the belief that another diagnosis better explains your symptoms or they don't have enough information to diagnose you. You'll have to visit your GP to receive medication once you have received a diagnosis. The private doctor will write to your GP and will provide paperwork referred to as a Shared Care Agreement. This allows your GP the ability to prescribe any medication prescribed by a private clinician. This arrangement saves you money on your prescription costs. It is essential to know that a GP cannot deny a private ADHD diagnosis, even if they aren't knowledgeable about the disorder. Similarly, a healthcare professional cannot bend the rules just because you are paying for their services. They must still adhere to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines and treat you fairly. It doesn't matter if you consult them privately or through the NHS. Suggested Reading includes doctors who have special training in the field, such as psychiatrists and healthcare professionals who are trained in a more specific manner like Nurse Practitioners or Psychologists who are able to prescribe medications for ADHD.