ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
Panorama A BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This could put patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment options and help reduce feelings of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members better understand the condition and how it impacts the person's daily routine. This can result in better relationships and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to be assessed. This process will be faster if you ask your GP to sign up for a plan which allows you to select your preferred provider.
Then, you will undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a detailed psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. It is always helpful to bring a family member along with to provide support. After the assessment, a specialist will diagnose ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that could arise when you attempt to obtain an appointment with the NHS. If you are receiving treatment the healthcare professionals must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't believe you suffer from ADHD you should be told why. It may be that they don't believe you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they believe other conditions better explain your traits (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't stop you from seeking an additional opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals do not understand their symptoms. Some doctors might inform them that their troubles result from an inability to work or they're lazy or negligent. It can be difficult, but keep in mind that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific research.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to receive a diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or assume that the person is hiding these symptoms. Certain GPs might be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which may present with similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD, or assume that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. Women suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically more subtle and difficult to detect. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms using antidepressants and other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This process is not always straightforward as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then immediately batted back by GPs) on spurious grounds.
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Based on the provider it could include questions about your work, home and family. They will also go over the various strengths and types of medication that are available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medications however if they don't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you've been diagnosed the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and the way in which you should be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements, but not all will. If your GP does not, you'll be required to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and could include therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD may also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards other people, or serious violations of social adhd adults diagnosis norms and guidelines at school, home or with the peers.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This could make it more difficult to get your driving licence. However, this is only in the event that your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day to day living. This is something you would need to discuss with your doctor.
Similar to having ADHD may affect how well you drive in particular in the case of impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. You may have difficulty to organize your car or make sure to take your medication before driving. If you're concerned about this, choose to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama programme gave a very negative and distorted perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration, and then have to go back to their GP and stand at the back of the line to undergo an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked into an private clinic. This does not just discredit the NHS but also contributes to the stigma that surrounds a condition for which many people feel that they are judged, even by their family members.