ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done either in person or online through video calls.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This can put people at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you treatment options and help reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the condition, and how it affects the life of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss why you think you have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an evaluation with a specialist. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to select an option that allows you to select your own provider.
The next step is a comprehensive psychological assessment, which includes an extensive interview and psychological tests. It is always beneficial to bring a family member along with you to offer support. After the assessment an expert will determine the cause of ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to get a diagnose through the NHS. If you are receiving treatment, the healthcare professionals should follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor is unable to diagnose you with ADHD the doctor must explain why. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is fine and should not discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
adult adhd diagnosis uk struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals don't understand them. Certain doctors might tell that their issues result from the lack of effort or they're lazy or negligent. This can be extremely disappointing However, it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of myths do not come from research-based evidence.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to recognize it. Some might ignore the signs or believe that the patient is hiding the signs. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).
In certain instances medical professionals who are not familiar with ADHD might confuse the person's behavior with their uncontrolled ADHD or think that the person is suffering from anxiety or depression because of their unmanaged ADHD. Women with ADHD can find it difficult to recognize because their symptoms are often less obvious and harder to identify. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to make an appointment. This process is not always straightforward, as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then immediately batted back by GPs) on bogus grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your life, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your home, work and family life, based on the service provider. They will also talk about the various strengths and types of medications available to treat ADHD, and what may be most suitable for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications but if they find it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you've been diagnosed the doctor will write to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and how that you be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs will accept these agreements however, not all will. If your GP does not, you will be required to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am given a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A mental health professional can help develop a treatment plan that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is essential, and it may include therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. Children suffering from ADHD can be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression towards other people or serious violations of social norms and regulations at home, school or in the company of peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This can make it harder for you to obtain your driving license. This only applies in the event that your symptoms are having a an ongoing and significant impact on your life. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.
In the same way, having ADHD may affect how well you drive in particular when your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. As a result you may find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication prior to driving. If you are worried about this, you may decide to drive with a passenger or only drive when you know you'll be the only driver in the car.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private care in ADHD assessments is apparent. Many adults have reported to us that they received a diagnosis in private clinics without medication adjustment. They then had to return to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This not only discredits the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with a condition for which many sufferers feel judged, even by family members.