ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare professional to receive an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video call.
Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This could put patients at risk.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment options and help you reduce the feeling of self-doubt and confusion. The diagnosis can help family members know the symptoms and how it affects the daily activities of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert to be assessed. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select a plan that lets you choose your own provider.
You will then go through a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a detailed psychological test and clinical interview. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After the assessment the specialist will present a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last for about two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when seeking an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If sell is unable to identify you as having ADHD then he or she must explain why. It could be because they don't think you meet their criteria for the disorder, or they think an alternative condition is more likely to explain your traits (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't stop you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. Some doctors may tell that their issues result from a lack of effort or that they're lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but you should keep in mind that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not know what it is or how to identify it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal or think that the person is hiding them. Certain GPs might also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).
In some instances, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD might confuse the person's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or may believe that the patient is suffering from anxiety or depression because of their unmanaged ADHD. Women with ADHD are often difficult to identify because their symptoms are often subtler and more difficult to identify. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers will require a referral from your GP before they can take your appointment. This is not always straightforward, as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to and later rebuffed by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP who assesses you will ask some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your job, home and family, based on the service provider. They'll also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed and the doctor will write to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and how you should be treated. This is referred to 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 diagnosed but don't want to take medication or other treatment?
A mental health professional can to develop a treatment program that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and may include talk therapy or medicine. It may also require lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards other people or severe violations of rules and social norms at school, home or with friends.
What happens if you want to drive?
Since the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a impairment, having the condition can make it more difficult to get your driver's license. However this is only the case in the event that your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you drive particularly if your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. As a result you could find 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 decide to travel with a passenger or only drive when you know you will be alone in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama program provided a biased negative opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they had received an assessment in a private clinic without any drug adjustment. They then had go back to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This not only discredits the NHS but also increases the stigma that surrounds the condition, which makes many people feel judged, even by family members.