ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment options and aid in reducing feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members to comprehend the condition and how it impacts a person's daily life. This can lead to stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by a specialist. This process will be faster when you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that allows you to choose your own provider.
Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. It is a good idea to bring a family member along with you for assistance. After your evaluation, the specialist will provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when seeking a diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your healthcare provider isn't able to determine that you have ADHD They should be able to explain the reasons. It could be because they don't believe you meet the criteria for this disorder, or they believe that another condition better explains your behavior (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an additional opinion.
One of the most common reasons why adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical professionals. Some doctors might inform that their issues result from the lack of effort or they're lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but you should be aware that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to recognize it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is masking the symptoms. Some doctors may also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may mistake the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or believe that they are suffering from anxiety or depression disorder due to it. This can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easier to overlook. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment companies require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This is not always straightforward as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then immediately batted back by GPs) with bogus reasons.
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the doctor it could include questions about your home, work and family. They'll also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medications first, but in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a nonstimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
Once you have a diagnosis and the doctor will write to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and how that you be treated. This is called a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors will sign these agreements, but not all of them. If your GP does not, you will need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are the same as those for ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help you develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or medicine. It could also include lifestyle adjustments. adhd diagnostic suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression towards others or serious breaches of social norms and rules at home, school or in the company of peers.
What happens if I want to drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult to get your driving licence. However, this is only when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something you should discuss with your physician.
Similar to having ADHD can affect how you drive, especially in the case of impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. As a result, you might find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication before getting behind the wheel. If you're concerned about this, opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there is no other person in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is apparent. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration test, but they are required to return to their GP and wait in the back of the queue to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into an private clinic. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS but also creates a stigma around an illness that many think they are judged for even by their own family.