ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by their doctor to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video calls.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't receive an appointment?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the disorder and how it impacts the life of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an evaluation with a specialist. This process will be faster if you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that allows you to choose your preferred provider.
You will then go through a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. It is always helpful to bring a family member with you to offer assistance. After your evaluation the specialist will present an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when trying to get an appointment with the NHS. If you are receiving treatment the healthcare professionals must follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't identify you as having ADHD, he or she should explain why. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and should not discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand them. Some doctors may tell them that their troubles are due to the lack of effort or that they are lazy or negligent. It can be difficult, but be aware that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to diagnose it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or think that the patient is hiding the signs. Some GPs may also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health conditions such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or think that they are suffering from anxiety or depression disorder as a result. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and difficult to miss. This could lead to a mistreatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies will require a written consent from your GP before they will take you on for an appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessment are referred, and then rejected by GPs).
The GP who examines you will want to inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the provider it could include questions about your home, work and family. They will also talk about the different types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first. However, if this doesn't suit you then a nonstimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.
When you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send you a document to your GP that outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you will still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to take medication or other treatment?
getting a adhd diagnosis of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to the symptoms of ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help develop a treatment plan that fits the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is vital, and it may consist of 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 serious breaches of social norms and rules at school, home or with friends.
What happens if you 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 daily living. This is something that you should discuss with your doctor.
Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you drive, especially if your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. As a result you may find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication before getting behind the wheel. If you are concerned about this, you can choose to travel with a passenger or only drive when you know 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 received an assessment in private clinics without medication titration. They were then required return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This does not just discredit the NHS but also increases the stigma that surrounds a condition for which many sufferers are belittled by their family members.