ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD may need to be referred by their doctor to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that offer incorrect diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment options and aid in reducing feelings of self-doubt and confusion. Having a diagnosis also helps family members know the symptoms and how it affects a person's daily life. This could lead to better communication and a more informed management 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 attentive to your concerns and refer you for an evaluation with a specialist. This process will be faster If you request your GP to refer you to a scheme which allows you to select your personal provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation which includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. Bringing a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment, the specialist will provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. You should expect your appointment to last between two and three hours.
A private diagnosis specialist for adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to obtain an appointment through the NHS. When providing care to you the healthcare professionals must remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your healthcare provider doesn't believe you have ADHD you should be told the reasons. It could be that they don't believe you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they think other conditions better explain your traits (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't stop you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the primary reasons why adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical experts. Certain doctors might tell them that their troubles result from a lack of effort or that they're lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but be aware that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific research.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain a diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or believe that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some GPs may also be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or believe that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder as a result. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easy to miss. This can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This process can be complicated due to the fact that NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then immediately rejected by the GPs).
The GP who examines you will be looking to ask you some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. This can include questions regarding your work, home and family life, based on the doctor. They will also talk about the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be most suitable for you. The majority of doctors will recommend stimulant medications but if they find it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send a letter to your GP that details the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. adult diagnosis of adhd is referred to as a "shared care agreement'. Some GPs accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you'll still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I receive an illness but don't want to take medication?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to those for ADHD and anxiety, therefore an expert in mental health can assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is vital and may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD could be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior towards other people or serious violations of social norms and regulations at home, school or in the company of the peers.
What happens if I want to drive?
Since the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it more difficult to get your driver's license. However it is only applicable when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. This is something you'll need to discuss with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance, especially if you exhibit inattention and unstable driving habits. In the end you may find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, you can opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is clear. Many adults have told 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 the line for an NHS assessment. This does not just discredit the NHS but also increases the stigma that surrounds a condition for which many people feel judged, even by family members.