ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD might be referred by a GP to a private healthcare specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference.
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 do not receive a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and decrease feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the disorder and how it affects a person's life. This can result in stronger relationships as well as a more educated approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an evaluation with a specialist. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to select an option that lets you choose your own provider.
The next step is a thorough psychological evaluation, which consists of a detailed interview and psychological tests. It is always helpful to bring a family member with you for support. After your assessment, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when seeking an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. When providing care to you, the healthcare professionals should follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor does not diagnose you with ADHD the doctor should explain why. It may be that they don't think you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they think an alternative condition is more likely to explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is okay and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. They might be told that their problems are a result of not working hard enough or that they are incompetent or negligent. This can be extremely disappointing, but it is important to keep in mind that these stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to receive a diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to recognize it. Some might ignore the signs or think that the patient is concealing the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or may think that the person is suffering from anxiety or depression due to their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to miss. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to make 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 promptly batted back by doctors) on spurious grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the doctor, this can include questions about your home, work and family. They will also talk about the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications however if they don't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
When you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send a letter to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some doctors will accept these agreements however, not all will. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you'll still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to those of ADHD and anxiety, therefore an expert in mental health can help develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and could include therapy or medicine. It could also involve lifestyle changes. how to get adult adhd diagnosis who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression toward other people 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 categorizes ADHD as a disability. This could make it more difficult to get your driving licence. This is only applicable when your symptoms have a an extended and significant impact on your daily routine. You would need to discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. You may find it difficult to organize your car or make sure to take your medication prior to driving. If you're concerned about this, opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.
As you can see, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and distorted perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration, and then have to return to their GP and stand at the back of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked' in to an private clinic. This doesn't just discredit the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with an illness that many think they are judged for even by their own family.