ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video calls.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can provide you access to treatments and reduce anxiety or self-doubt. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the symptoms and how it impacts the life of a person. This can result in better relationships and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. read article should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select the plan that lets you select your own provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychotherapy evaluation, which consists of a detailed interview and psychological test. It is a good idea to bring a friend or family member with to provide assistance. After your assessment the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment is expected to last between two and three hours.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when seeking an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your doctor is unable to determine that you have ADHD then he or she must explain why. It could be because they don't think you meet the criteria for the disorder, or they think another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. Certain doctors might tell that their issues are due to the lack of effort or that they're lazy or negligent. This can be very frustrating, but it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of stereotypes are not based on evidence from science.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not understand the nature of the condition or how to diagnose it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is masking the symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the distinction between ADHD depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may mistake the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD, or assume that they suffer from anxiety or depression disorder as a result. Women suffering from ADHD are often difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically less obvious and harder to recognize. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they will bring the 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 and later rebuffed by GPs) with bogus reasons.
The GP who evaluates you will be looking to ask some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Depending on the provider it could include questions about your home, work and family. They will also discuss the various types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD, and what may be best for you. The majority of doctors will suggest stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which that you be treated. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Some GPs accept these agreements but not all. If your GP doesn't, you will need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but don't want to undergo medication or another treatment?
A mental health professional can help to develop a treatment program that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or medicine. It may also require lifestyle adjustments. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or serious breaches of social norms and rules at school, at home, or among friends.
What is the procedure if I decide 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 is only applicable when your symptoms have a a long-term and significant impact on your daily routine. This is something you would need to discuss with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance in particular if you display inattention and unstable driving habits. In the end you could find you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, you may choose to drive with a friend or only drive when you'll be the only driver in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama program gave a highly biased negative opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they had received an diagnosis at private clinics without medication adjustment. They were then required go back to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This not only discredits the NHS but also adds to the stigma that surrounds a condition for which many sufferers feel that they are judged, even by their family members.