ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by their GP to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or online through video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that offer inaccurate diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment options and aid in reducing feelings of confusion and self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members understand the condition and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to consult with your GP and discuss why you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. This process will be quicker If you request your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your own provider.
Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric examination which includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. It is always helpful to bring a friend or family member with you for assistance. After the assessment an expert will diagnose ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last around two sessions.
A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when trying to get an appointment with the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with must still adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD you should be told the reason. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is fine and should not discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
One of the most common reasons that adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical professionals. Certain doctors might tell that their issues are caused by a lack of effort or that they're lazy or incompetent. This can be very frustrating, but it is important to remember that these myths do not come from evidence from science.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition, or even how to identify it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or assume that the person is masking these symptoms. Some GPs may also be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD, or assume that they are suffering from anxiety or depression disorder as a result. This is particularly challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easy to miss. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective.
Certain private assessment providers will require a referral from your GP before they will bring the appointment. This process is not always straightforward, as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to and later rebuffed by doctors) on spurious grounds.
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life and how ADHD symptoms impact it. Based on the provider it could include questions about your work, home and family. They'll also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be best for you. Most doctors will suggest stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you have a diagnosis and 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 referred to as a'shared-care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP does not, you'll need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but don't want to receive medication or any other treatment?
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are similar to those for ADHD and anxiety, therefore an expert in mental health can help develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or medicine. It may also require lifestyle adjustments. Children with ADHD can be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards other people, or serious violations of social norms and regulations at home, school or with peers.
What happens if I want drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder for you to obtain your driving license. However, this is only in the event that your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. This is something that you should discuss with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving, especially if you exhibit an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. It may be difficult to organize your car or remember to take your medication before driving. If how to get an adhd diagnosis uk worried about this, choose to travel with a partner or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is apparent. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration, and then have to go back to their GP and wait in the end of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This does not just discredit the NHS but also increases the stigma surrounding the condition, which makes many people feel judged, even by family members.