ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that offer unreliable diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment and can aid in reducing feelings of confusion and self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members to understand the condition and how it impacts the person's daily routine. This could lead to better communication and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK You should first speak to your GP about the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an evaluation with an expert. This process will be faster when you ask your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your preferred provider.
The next step is a comprehensive psychotherapy evaluation, which includes a detailed interview and psychological tests. It is always helpful to bring a friend or family member with you to offer support. After the assessment the specialist will be able to determine the cause of ADHD and make treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist for adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to obtain a diagnose through the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with should still adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If your doctor doesn't diagnose you with ADHD, he or she should explain the reason. It could be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for this disorder, or they believe that another condition better explains your behavior (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the primary reasons why adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical professionals. Some doctors may tell them that their problems result from the lack of effort or that they're lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but you should be aware that these stereotypes aren't supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people suffering from ADHD are unable to obtain an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to diagnose it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal or think that the person is masking them. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or believe that they suffer from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easier to overlook. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to make an appointment. This isn't always straightforward, as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to and then immediately batted back by GPs) on bogus grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the doctor the questions could be about your home, work and family. They'll also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be the best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first, but in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a non-stimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.
Once you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send paperwork to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors will sign these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP does not, you'll have to continue paying 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 anxiety and depression are similar to the symptoms of ADHD, so a mental health professional can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is essential, and it may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD may also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior toward other people or serious infringements of social norms and rules at school, home, or among the peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This can make it more difficult for you to obtain your driving license. However, this is only if your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. You should discuss this with your doctor.
Similarly, having ADHD may affect how well you perform when driving in particular in the case of an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. You may find it difficult to organise your car, or ensure that you take your medication prior to driving. If adhd uk diagnosis worried about this, opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama programme gave a very negative and biased perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they received an assessment in private clinics without medication adjustment. They were then required go back to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS, it increases the stigma associated with a condition that many people believe they are judged by even by their own family.