ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video calls.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult ADHD Diagnosis puts patients at risk.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you treatment options and help reduce anxiety or self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members better know the symptoms and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about the reason you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to be assessed. This process will be more efficient If you request your GP to sign up for a plan that lets you choose your preferred provider.
The next step is a thorough psychotherapy evaluation, which consists of an in-depth interview and psychological test. It is always helpful to bring a family member along with you for assistance. After your assessment, a specialist will diagnose ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last for about two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that can arise when trying to get a diagnosis through the NHS. When delivering care to you, the healthcare professionals should follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor isn't able to determine that you have ADHD, they should explain the reason. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is okay and should not discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand them. They might be told that their issues are the result of not working hard enough or that they are negligent or lazy. This can be very frustrating however it is important to keep in mind that these types of stereotypes are not based on evidence from science.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to receive an diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is hiding them. Some doctors may also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
In some cases medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or will assume that the person is suffering from anxiety or depression due to their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and difficult to overlook. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms with antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers will require a written consent from your GP before they can take you on for an appointment. This isn't always easy as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately batted back by doctors) with bogus reasons.
The GP who assesses you will be looking to inquire about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Based on the provider, this can include questions about your home, work and family. They will also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medications first, but in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a nonstimulant drug like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
If you are diagnosed 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 called a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you'll still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am given a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are similar to the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can assist in developing the right treatment plan to meet the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and could include talk therapy, medicine, or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD could be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards other people or serious infringements of social norms and regulations at school, home or with the peers.
What happens if I want to drive?
Since the DVLA considers ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it harder for you to obtain your driver's license. However it is only applicable in the event that your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day to day living. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show 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 concerned about this, you can opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there is no anyone else in the vehicle.
As you can see, the Panorama program gave a highly biased negative view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration, and then must return to their GP and wait in the back of the queue for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into a private clinic. This doesn't just discredit the NHS, it increases the stigma associated with an illness that many think they are judged by, even by their own family.