ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person or online through video call.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment and help you reduce the feeling of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members know the symptoms and how it affects the person's daily routine. This can result in stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss why you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to be assessed. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to select the plan that lets you select your own provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. It is always beneficial to bring a family member with to provide support. After your evaluation the specialist will present a clear diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last for about two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. When delivering care to you, the healthcare professionals should still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor does not diagnose you with ADHD then he or she should explain the reason. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
One of the most common reasons that adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. They may be told that their problems are a result of not trying hard enough or that they are negligent or lazy. It can be difficult, but keep in mind that these stereotypes are not supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not be aware of what it is or how to recognize it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or assume the person is concealing the symptoms. Some GPs may be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can present with the same symptoms).
Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD may mistake the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or think that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. This can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easy to miss. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This can be a difficult process due to the fact that NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to, and then rejected by doctors).
The GP will ask you questions about your life, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the provider the questions could be about your work, home and family. They will also talk about the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send a letter to your GP that details the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is called a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not, you will need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are the same as the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, therefore a mental health professional can assist in developing a treatment plan that fits the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial, and it may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards others or serious violations of rules and social norms at school, home or in the company of friends.
What happens if how to get an adult adhd diagnosis want to drive?
As the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a impairment, having the condition can make it more difficult to obtain your driver's license. However this is only the case in the event that your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day-to-day living. You would need to discuss this with your doctor.
Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you drive particularly in the case of inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. You may find it difficult to organise your car, or ensure that you take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, you may decide to travel with a passenger or only drive when you are certain you'll be driving on your own in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration test, but they are required to go back to their GP and wait at the end of the line for an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked' in to a private clinic. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also increases the stigma surrounding a condition for which many sufferers feel belittled by their family members.