ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or online through video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that offer incorrect diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and decrease feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members to understand the condition and how it affects a person's daily life. This can result in stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert to conduct an assessment. This process will be quicker If you request your GP to sign up for a plan that allows you to choose your own provider.
You will then go through a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. Bring a family member along is always beneficial. After your assessment, the specialist will provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when trying to get a diagnosis through the NHS. If you are receiving treatment healthcare professionals, they must remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your healthcare provider doesn't believe you suffer from ADHD you should be told the reason. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking an additional opinion.
One of the most common reasons adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical professionals. They might be told that their problems are a result of not working hard enough or that they are negligent or lazy. It can be difficult, but be aware that these myths aren't supported by scientific research.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD are unable to obtain an diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to recognize it. Some might ignore the signs or believe that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some doctors may be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can present with the same symptoms).
In some instances medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD might confuse the person's behaviour with their unmanaged ADHD or will assume that the person is suffering from anxiety or depression due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD can find it difficult to identify because their symptoms are often more subtle and difficult to detect. This confusion could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to make an appointment. This can be a difficult process as NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to, and then promptly rejected by doctors).
The GP will ask you questions about your life and how ADHD symptoms impact it. Based on the provider the questions could be about your home, work and family. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first. However, should this not work for you then a nonstimulant drug like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
When you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send you a document to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and 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'll be required to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am given a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is vital and could consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at school, home, or among friends.
What happens if I want drive?
As the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult to get your driver's licence. However, this is only if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day to day living. This is something that you'll need to discuss with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance, especially if you exhibit inattention and unstable driving habits. It may be difficult to organize your car or make sure to take your medication before driving. If you are concerned about this, you may decide to travel with a passenger or only drive when you are certain you'll be driving on your own in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without drug titration, but then have to go back to their GP and wait in the back of the queue for an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked' in to an private clinic. This not only discredits the NHS but also adds to the stigma associated with the condition, which makes many sufferers are belittled by family members.