ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may refer an adult with ADHD to a private health specialist for an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video calls.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This can put people at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members better comprehend the condition and how it affects the daily activities of a person. This can result in better relationships and a more informed management of 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 consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment with an expert. This process will be quicker If you request your GP to refer you to a scheme that allows you to choose your preferred provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation which includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. A family member or friend to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment the specialist will be able to identify ADHD and make treatment recommendations. Your appointment should last two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when trying to get a diagnosis through the NHS. If you are receiving treatment, the healthcare professionals should still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor is unable to identify you as having ADHD then he or she should explain why. It could be because they don't believe you meet the criteria for the disorder, or they think other conditions better explain your traits (symptoms). This is okay and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals misunderstand them. Certain doctors might tell that their issues are due to the lack of effort or that they are lazy or incompetent. It can be difficult, but keep in mind that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis are unaware of the condition and may not be aware of what it is or how to identify it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is hiding the symptoms. Some GPs may be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
In some instances medical professionals who are not familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behaviour with their uncontrolled ADHD or think that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may be difficult to recognize because their symptoms are often less obvious and harder to identify. This confusion could lead to a mistreatment of symptoms with antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This isn't always easy as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and later rebuffed by doctors) with bogus reasons.
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your work, home and family life, based on the service provider. They will also go over the different types and strengths of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first. However, if this doesn't suit you then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
Once you've been diagnosed and the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how you should be treated. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some doctors will accept these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you'll still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to take medication or other treatment?
A mental health professional can assist create a treatment plan specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial, and it may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle adjustments. Children suffering from ADHD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards other people, or serious violations of social norms and rules 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 difficult for you to obtain your driving license. This is only applicable if your symptoms are having an ongoing and significant impact on your daily life. You should discuss this with your doctor.
Similar to having ADHD could affect how you drive particularly in the case of impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. In the end you may find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication prior to driving. If you are concerned about this, you could choose to drive with a passenger or only drive when you'll be the only driver in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama program provided a negative and distorted perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. Many adults have reported to us that they had received a diagnosis in a private clinic without any drug titration. They were then required return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This does not just discredit the NHS but also adds to the stigma that surrounds a condition for which many sufferers feel that they are judged, even by family members.