ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by a GP to a private healthcare specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video chat.
Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This can put people at risk.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
A professional diagnosis can give you treatment options and help reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. Having a diagnosis also helps family members understand the condition and how it affects the person's daily routine. This can result in stronger relationships as well as a more educated approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss why you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to an expert to be assessed. This process will be quicker when you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that allows you to choose your preferred provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the evaluation an expert will diagnose ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when trying to get an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should still adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your healthcare provider doesn't believe you have ADHD They should be able to explain the reasons. It could be because they don't believe you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they believe an alternative condition is more likely to explain your traits (symptoms). This is fine and should not discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals do not understand them. Some doctors may tell them that their problems are caused by an inability to work or that they're lazy or incompetent. This can be extremely disappointing however it is important to remember that these types of myths do not come from scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting a diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition, or even how to recognize it. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult may dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is masking them. Certain GPs might also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which may present with the same symptoms).
In some cases medical professionals who are not familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or may believe that the patient suffers from anxiety or depression as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD are often difficult to recognize because their symptoms are often subtler and more difficult to identify. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that aren't effective.
Certain private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they will take the appointment. This process is not always straightforward as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This can include questions regarding your home, work, and family, depending on the doctor. They will also discuss the various strengths and types of drugs available to treat ADHD, and what may be the best for you. The majority of doctors will recommend stimulant medications however if they don't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you've been diagnosed the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which you should be treated. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some GPs will accept these agreements however not all will. If your GP doesn't, you will have to continue paying privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A mental health professional can develop a treatment plan that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is vital and may consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior toward other people or serious infringements of social norms and rules at school, home or with friends.
What happens if I want drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This can make it harder to get your driving license. However this is only the case if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day to day living. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance, especially if you exhibit an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. As a result you may find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication before getting behind the wheel. If you are worried about this, you could choose to travel with a passenger or only drive when you are certain you'll be the only driver in the car.
The negative image of Panorama's private healthcare in ADHD assessments is clear. Many adults have told us that they had received an diagnosis at a private clinic without any drug adjustment. They then had to return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS and adds to the stigma of the condition, which many think they are being judged for even by their family members.