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 either in person or by video chat.
Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This puts patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. Having a diagnosis also helps family members comprehend the condition and how it impacts a person's daily life. This can lead to stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to consult with your GP and discuss why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. This process will be more efficient if you ask your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your own provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation which includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. It is always beneficial to bring a friend or family member with you to offer assistance. After your evaluation the specialist will present an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. 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 doesn't believe you suffer from ADHD They should be able to explain the reason. It could be because they don't believe you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they think another condition better explains your behavior (symptoms). This is okay and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals do not understand their symptoms. Certain doctors might tell them that their problems are due to the lack of effort or that they're lazy or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating However, it is important to remember that these types of stereotypes are not based on evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware 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. Certain GPs might also be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which may present with 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 depression or an anxiety disorder as a result. This can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to overlook. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to make an appointment. This isn't always straightforward as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to and later rebuffed by GPs) with bogus reasons.
The GP who examines you will be looking to ask you some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your work, home and family, based on the doctor. They'll also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. Most doctors will suggest stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send paperwork to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a'shared-care agreement'. Certain doctors accept these agreements, but not all. If adult adhd diagnosis uk does not agree with these agreements, you'll still be required 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 lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are similar to those for ADHD, so a mental health professional can help develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is vital and may include talk therapy, medicine, or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at school, at home or with peers.
What happens if I want drive?
Since the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it more difficult to get your driver's licence. This is only a possibility if your symptoms are having an ongoing and significant impact on your daily life. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. As a result you may find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take your medication prior to driving. If you're concerned about this, choose to travel 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 negative and distorted perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration test, but then have to return to their GP and wait at the end of the line for an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked into a private clinic. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS and adds to the stigma of an illness that many feel they are being judged for even by their own family.