ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD might be referred by their doctor to a private healthcare professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video calls.
Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and can aid in reducing feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members better understand the condition and how it affects a person's daily life. This can lead to better relationships and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK In the UK, first talk to your GP about why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an evaluation with an expert. adhd diagnosis adults uk will be more efficient If you request your GP to use a scheme that lets you choose your own provider.
The next step is a thorough psychological assessment, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological tests. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your evaluation the specialist will present a clear diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that could arise when seeking a diagnosis through the NHS. If you are receiving treatment, the healthcare professionals should remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor isn't able to determine that you have ADHD you should be told why. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable and shouldn't deter you from seeking an alternative opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals do not understand their symptoms. They might be told that their problems are the result of not working hard enough or that they are negligent or lazy. It can be frustrating, but you should remember that these myths aren't supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people suffering from ADHD are unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to diagnose it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is hiding them. Certain GPs might be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health conditions such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or think that the person suffers from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD are often difficult to recognize because their symptoms are typically subtler and more difficult to identify. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to set up an appointment. This procedure can be difficult as NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to, and then immediately rejected by GPs).
The GP who assesses you will want to ask some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider it could include questions about your work, home and family. They will also talk about the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed the doctor will send a letter to your GP that outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Some GPs will accept these agreements however not all will. If your GP does not, you will need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed, but I do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are similar to those of ADHD, so a mental health professional can assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan that meets the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or a medication. It could also include lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression towards others or serious violations of social norms and rules at school, at home, or among friends.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder to get your driving license. This only applies when your symptoms have a an extended and significant impact on your daily life. This is something you'll need to discuss with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you perform when driving particularly if your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. It may be difficult to organize your car or ensure that you take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, you can opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no one else in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama programme gave a very negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have reported to us that they had received a diagnosis in a private clinic without any medication adjustment. They were then required go back to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This not only discredits the NHS but also contributes to the stigma surrounding the condition, which makes many sufferers are judged, even by family members.