ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by their doctor to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person, or via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and decrease feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the symptoms and how it affects the life of a person. This can lead to 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 think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert for an assessment. This process will be quicker if you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme which allows you to select your personal provider.
Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. It is a good idea to bring a friend or family member with you to offer support. After your assessment an expert will diagnose ADHD and make treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when you attempt to obtain an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should still follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor does not find that you suffer from ADHD, they should explain why. 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 discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals misunderstand them. Some doctors might inform them that their troubles result from a lack of effort or that they're lazy or incompetent. It can be difficult, but remember that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain a diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or how to identify it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is masking these symptoms. Some GPs may be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may mistake the person's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD or think that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder as a result. Women with ADHD are often difficult to identify because their symptoms are typically subtler and more difficult to detect. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medicines that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to make an appointment. This process is not always straightforward as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and later rebuffed by GPs) with bogus reasons.
The GP who evaluates you will be looking to ask some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. Based on the provider it could include questions about your work, home and family. They will also go over the various strengths and types of drugs available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. The majority of doctors will recommend stimulant medications but if they find it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
When you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send paperwork to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Some GPs will accept these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you will still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?
A mental health professional can assist develop a treatment plan that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and may include talk therapy or medication. It could also involve lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards others or severe violations of rules and social norms at school, at home or in the company of peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
As the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult for you to get your driver's licence. This only applies if your symptoms are having a long-term and significant impact on your daily routine. You would need to discuss this with your doctor.
Similar to having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving, especially in the case of an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. In the end, you might find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication prior to driving. If you are worried about this, you could opt to drive with a friend or only drive when you'll be the only driver in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is clear. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but then have to go back to their GP and wait at the back of the line for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into an private clinic. This not only discredits the NHS but also increases the stigma that surrounds a condition for which many sufferers are belittled by family members.