ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may refer an adult with ADHD to a private health specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that offer inaccurate diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment and can aid in reducing feelings of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can help family members understand the condition, and how it impacts a person's life. This can lead to stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In adhd diagnosis uk adults is to speak with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an assessment with a specialist. This process will be faster if you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that lets you choose your own provider.
You will then go through a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a detailed psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. It is always beneficial to bring a friend or family member with you to offer assistance. After the assessment the specialist will present a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when trying to get an appointment with the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with must still follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor doesn't diagnose you with ADHD the doctor should explain the reason. It may be that they don't believe you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they believe that other conditions better explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking a different opinion.
One of the most common reasons that adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical professionals. Some doctors may tell that their issues are caused by a lack of effort or they're lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but you should remember that these stereotypes are not supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting an diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to recognize it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or think that the patient is concealing the symptoms. Some doctors may also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which may present with similar symptoms).
In some instances, medical staff who aren't familiar with ADHD might confuse the person's behaviour with their uncontrolled ADHD or assume that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. This can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easier to overlook. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that aren't effective.
Certain private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they can take you on for an appointment. This isn't always straightforward as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to and then promptly batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP who examines you will be looking to ask you some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This could include questions about your work, home and family, based on the provider. They will also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be best for you. The majority of doctors will suggest stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
When you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send a letter to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is known as a'shared-care agreement'. Some GPs will accept these agreements however, not all of them will. If your GP doesn't, you will be required to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I receive a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are the same as those for ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can help you develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and could consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. Children with ADHD could also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression toward other people, or serious violations of social norms and guidelines at home, school or with the peers.
What happens if I want to drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This can make it more difficult for you to obtain your driving license. This is only applicable when your symptoms have a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily life. You would need to discuss this with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance in particular if you display inattention and unstable driving habits. As a result you could find you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there is no anyone else in the vehicle.
As you can see that the Panorama program provided a negative and biased perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they had received an diagnosis at a private clinic without any drug titration. They were then required to return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also adds to the stigma that surrounds a condition that makes many sufferers feel judged, even by their family members.