ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare professional to receive an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that offer inaccurate diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and decrease feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the disorder and how it affects the life of a person. This can result in better relationships and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment with a specialist. This process will be faster if you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme which allows you to select your own provider.
The next step is a thorough psychiatric evaluation, which consists of an extensive interview and psychological tests. It is a good idea to bring a family member along with you to offer assistance. After your assessment the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last between two and three hours.
Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when trying to get an appointment with the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with should be able to adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If your doctor is unable to identify you as having ADHD the doctor should explain why. It may be that they don't believe you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they believe other conditions better explain your behavior (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the primary reasons adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical professionals. Some doctors might inform them that their problems are due to the lack of effort or that they're lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should be aware that these stereotypes aren't supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to receive an diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is masking the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
In some instances medical professionals who are unfamiliar with ADHD might confuse the person's behaviour with their unmanaged ADHD or will believe that the patient suffers from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to overlook. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment companies will require a referral from your GP before they can take you on for an appointment. This procedure can be difficult because NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to, and then rejected by doctors).
The GP who evaluates you will be looking to inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This could include questions about your job, home and family, based on the provider. They will also talk about the different types and strengths of medications available to treat ADHD, and what may be most suitable for you. The majority of doctors will recommend stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed, the clinician will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and the way in which that you be treated. This is referred to as a'shared-care agreement'. Certain doctors accept these agreements, but not all. If click the following document does not, you'll be required to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I receive an illness but don't want to take medication?
A mental health professional can help develop a treatment plan that is that is tailored to the individual's needs. Early treatment is essential and could include therapy or a medication. It may also require lifestyle adjustments. Children with ADHD could be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards others or serious violations of social norms and rules at home, school or in the company of peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This can make it harder for you to obtain your driving license. However this is only the case when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day to day living. This is something you would need to discuss with your doctor.
Similar to having ADHD may affect how well you perform when driving, especially when your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. You may have difficulty to organize your car or remember to take your medication prior to driving. If you are concerned about this, you may decide to drive with a passenger or only drive when you are certain you will be alone in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they were given an assessment in a private clinic without any drug titration. They were then required to return to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just discredit the NHS but also adds to the stigma of the condition, which many think they are being judged for even by their family members.