ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or online through video chat.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you treatment options and help reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. Having a diagnosis also helps family members to know the symptoms and how it affects the person's daily routine. This could lead to better communication and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about why you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to a specialist to be assessed. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to use a scheme that lets you choose your own provider.
You will then go through a thorough psychiatric assessment which includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. It is always beneficial to bring a family member with to provide assistance. After your assessment, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when seeking an appointment with the NHS. If you are receiving treatment, the healthcare professionals should still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your healthcare provider doesn't believe you suffer from ADHD They should be able to explain why. It could be that they don't believe you meet their criteria for the disorder, or they think an alternative condition is more likely to explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is totally acceptable and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand them. Some doctors might inform that their issues are caused by the lack of effort or that they're lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but you should remember that these stereotypes are not supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain a diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to identify it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is masking these symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the distinction between ADHD, depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms).
In some instances, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or think that the person suffers from anxiety or depression due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may be difficult to identify because their symptoms tend to be less obvious and harder to detect. This confusion can lead to inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies will require a letter from your GP before they can take you on for an appointment. This process is not always straightforward as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to and then immediately batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP who examines you will be looking to inquire about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. This may include questions about your job, home and family, based on the service provider. They will also talk about the different types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD and which may be best for you. The majority of doctors will recommend stimulant medications but if they find it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed the doctor will send you a document to your GP that details the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. diagnosing adult adhd is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors will sign these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP doesn't, you will have to continue paying privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed but do not want to take medication or other treatment?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are the same as those for ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is vital and could consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards others, or serious violations of social norms and regulations at home, school, or among the peers.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder for you to obtain your driving license. However this is only the case in the event that your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day-to-day living. You should discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. In the end, you might find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, you can opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private care in ADHD assessments is clear. Many adults have shared with us that they were given an assessment in a private clinic without any drug adjustment. They had return to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS, it adds to the stigma of an illness that many believe they are judged by even by their own family.