ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD might be referred by their doctor to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video call.
Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can provide you access to treatments and decrease feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the symptoms and how it impacts the life of a person. This could lead to better communication and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to consult with your GP and discuss why you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an evaluation with a specialist. This process will be quicker if you ask your GP to sign up for a plan which allows you to select your own provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation, which includes a detailed interview and psychological tests. A family member or friend to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment, the specialist will provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment is expected to last for about two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to obtain a diagnose through the NHS. If you are receiving treatment healthcare professionals, they must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't diagnose you with ADHD then he or she must explain 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 discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the main reasons why adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical experts. They may be told their problems are a result of not working hard enough or that they are incompetent or negligent. It can be difficult, but remember that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific research.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to receive a diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not know what it is or how to identify it. Some might ignore the signs or assume the person is concealing the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the distinction between ADHD depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or believe that they suffer from anxiety or depression disorder due to it. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to overlook. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.
Certain private assessment providers will require a written consent from your GP before they will take you on for an appointment. This can be a difficult process due to the fact that NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then promptly rejected by GPs).
The GP who examines you will be looking to inquire about your life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider, this can include questions about your home, work and family. They'll also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first. However, 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 your doctor will then send you a document to your GP that details the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements but not all. If your GP doesn't, you will have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed but don't want to undergo medication or another treatment?
A mental health professional can assist to develop a treatment program that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and could include therapy or medication. It could also involve lifestyle modifications. Children suffering from ADHD can be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards others or serious violations of social norms and regulations at school, home or in the company of friends.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could 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 would need to discuss this with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. As a result you could find you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're concerned about this, opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there is no other person in the car.
adhd diagnosis uk adults of Panorama's private healthcare in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but they are required to go back to their GP and wait in the back of the queue to undergo an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked into the private clinic. This does not just discredit the NHS but also adds to the stigma associated with a condition that makes many people feel that they are judged, even by family members.