ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD might be referred by their GP to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video chat.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and can help reduce feelings of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members better understand the condition and how it affects the daily activities of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK In the UK, first talk to your GP about the reasons you think you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. This process will be more efficient if you ask your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your preferred provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. It is a good idea to bring a family member with you to offer support. After the assessment the doctor will give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist for adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to get an appointment through the NHS. If you are receiving treatment, the healthcare professionals should remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your healthcare provider does not find that you have ADHD you should be told the reason. It may be that they don't think you meet the criteria for the disorder, or they think an alternative condition is more likely to explain your traits (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and should not discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the primary reasons that adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical experts. They might be told that their issues are the result of not trying hard enough or are incompetent or negligent. This can be very frustrating however it is important to remember that these kinds of stereotypes are not based on research-based evidence.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not be aware of what it is or how to recognize it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or assume that the person is hiding them. Some GPs may be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can present with the same symptoms).
Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or believe that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder as a result. adult adhd diagnosis uk is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to overlook. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they can take you on for an appointment. This procedure can be difficult because NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then immediately rejected by GPs).
The GP who assesses you will want to ask you some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. Based on the provider the questions could be about your work, home and family. They will also talk about the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first. However, in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
Once you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send a letter to your GP that details the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements, but not all of them will. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you will still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed, but I do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are the same as those for ADHD, so an expert in mental health can assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan that meets the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or medication. It could also include lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from 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 rules at home, school, or among friends.
What happens if you decide to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it more difficult to get your driver's licence. However this is only the case if your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something you'll need to discuss with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. As a result, you might find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, choose to travel with someone else or only drive when there is no other person in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama programme gave a very negative and distorted opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they received an assessment in an private clinic with no drug titration. They were then required go back to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also adds to the stigma surrounding a condition for which many sufferers are judged, even by their family members.