ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might be referred by a GP to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video call.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment and help you reduce the feeling of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can help family members understand the symptoms and how it affects a person's life. This can result in better relationships and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an evaluation with a specialist. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to sign up for the plan that lets you select your personal provider.
Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation which includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment, the specialist will provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last around two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when seeking an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should still follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your healthcare provider does not find that you suffer from ADHD you should be told why. It may be that they don't believe that you meet their criteria for the disorder, or they think another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't stop you from seeking an additional opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. how are adults diagnosed with adhd might inform them that their problems are due to an inability to work or that they're lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but be aware that these stereotypes are not supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to recognize it. Some might ignore the signs or believe that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the distinction between ADHD depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD, or assume that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. This can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easy to overlook. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment companies will require a letter from your GP before they can take you on for an appointment. This procedure can be difficult as NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then rejected by doctors).
The GP who examines you will ask some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the doctor the questions could be about your work, home and family. They will also discuss the various types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. The majority of doctors will suggest stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send paperwork to your GP which outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Some GPs will accept these agreements, but not all of them will. If your GP does not, you'll have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?
A mental health professional can help create a treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is essential and could include therapy or medicine. It could also involve lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD may also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression toward other people or serious infringements of social norms and guidelines at school, home or with the peers.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
As the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it harder for you to obtain your driver's license. This only applies when your symptoms have a a long-term and significant impact on your life. You should discuss this with your doctor.
In the same way, having ADHD may affect how well you drive, especially in the case of inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. You may have difficulty to organise your car, or remember to take your medication before driving. If you're worried about this, opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private care in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but then have to go back to their GP and wait at the end of the line to undergo an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked into the private clinic. This does not just discredit the NHS but also increases the stigma surrounding the condition, which makes many sufferers feel that they are judged, even by their family members.