ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD may need to be referred by their doctor to a private health specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment options and help reduce feelings of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the disorder and how it impacts a person's life. This can lead to stronger relationships as well as a more educated approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK You should first speak to your GP about why you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to a specialist to be assessed. This process will be quicker when you ask your GP to sign up for a plan which allows you to select your preferred provider.
Then, you will undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. Bringing a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when you attempt to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS. When providing care to you the healthcare professionals must follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD They should be able to explain why. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable and shouldn't stop you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the primary reasons adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. They might be told that their issues are the result of not trying to do enough or are incompetent or negligent. This can be very frustrating however it is important to remember that these types of stereotypes are not based on research-based evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition, or even how to diagnose it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is hiding the symptoms. Certain GPs might be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health disorders like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which may present with similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or will think that the person suffers from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women with ADHD are often difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically more subtle and difficult to identify. This can result in inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This is not always straightforward, as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then promptly batted back by GPs) with bogus reasons.
The GP who assesses you will inquire about your life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider the questions could be about your home, work and family. They will also go over the different types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD, and what may be the best for you. Most doctors will suggest stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send paperwork to your GP that details the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement'. Some GPs accept these agreements but not all. If your GP does not, you'll have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but don't want to take medication or other treatment?
A mental health professional can create a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual's needs. Early treatment is vital, and it may consist of therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD adhd diagnosis in adults 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, home, or among friends.
What happens if I want to drive?
Since the DVLA considers ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult for you to get your driver's licence. However it is only applicable in the event that your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day to day living. This is something that you'll need to discuss with your physician.
Similar to having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving particularly when your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. As a result you may find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication before getting behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, choose to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no one else in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama programme gave a very biased negative perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration, and they are required to go back to their GP and wait in the back of the queue to undergo an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked into a private clinic. This not only discredits the NHS but also contributes to the stigma that surrounds a condition for which many sufferers are belittled by family members.