ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by a GP to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video call.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and decrease feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the disorder and how it impacts a person's life. This can result in better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK In the UK, first speak to your GP about the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to conduct an assessment. This process will be more efficient if you ask your GP to use a scheme which allows you to select your preferred provider.
The next step is a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological tests. It is always beneficial to bring a family member with you for support. After your assessment an expert will diagnose ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. Your appointment should last two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should be able to follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor doesn't believe you have ADHD you should be told why. It could be because they don't think you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they think an alternative condition is more likely to explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
adhd diagnosis uk adults of the most common reasons why adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical experts. They may be told their problems are a result of not working hard enough or are incompetent or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should remember that these myths aren't supported by scientific research.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain a diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is masking the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the distinction between ADHD depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD, or assume that they are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder as a result. Women suffering from ADHD may be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically less obvious and harder to recognize. This confusion can lead to inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers will require a referral from your GP before they can take you on for an appointment. This isn't always straightforward as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to and later rebuffed by doctors) on spurious grounds.
The GP who evaluates you will ask some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider it could include questions about your work, home and family. They will also talk about the various types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD, and what may be the best for you. The majority of doctors will recommend stimulant medications, but if it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed the doctor will write to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which you should be treated. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you will still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed but do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?
A mental health professional can assist develop a treatment plan that is that is tailored to the individual's needs. Early treatment is vital and could include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression towards other people or severe violations of rules and social norms at school, home, or among peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
As the DVLA considers ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult for you to obtain your driver's license. This is only a possibility if your symptoms are having a long-term and significant impact on your daily life. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician.
Similar to having ADHD can affect how you drive, especially in the case of impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. You may have difficulty to organise your car, or make sure to take your medication prior to driving. If you are worried about this, you could opt to drive with a passenger or only drive when you are certain you'll be driving on your own in the car.
The negative image of Panorama's private care in ADHD assessments is evident. Many adults have shared with us that they were given a diagnosis in an private clinic with no medication titration. They then had to return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS but also adds to the stigma of the condition, which many believe they are judged for even by their own family.