ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that provide incorrect diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment options and aid in reducing feelings of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the disorder and how it affects the person's life. This can result in stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss why you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment by an expert. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to sign up for the plan that lets you select your preferred provider.
You will then go through an extensive psychiatric examination which includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. Bringing a family member along is always beneficial. After your assessment the specialist will be able to determine the cause of ADHD and make treatment recommendations. The appointment is expected to last for about two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when trying to get a diagnosis through the NHS. When providing care to you healthcare professionals, they must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't believe you suffer from ADHD you should be told the reason. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is fine and should not discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand them. Some doctors may tell them that their problems are caused by a lack of effort or that they're lazy 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 with ADHD are unable to obtain a diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not be aware of what it is or how to recognize it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or think that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some doctors may also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can present with the same symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may mistake the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or think that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. This is especially challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easy to overlook. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to make an appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then rejected by GPs).
The GP will ask you questions about your life and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This may include questions about your job, home, and family, depending on the provider. adhd diagnosis adult uk will also talk about the various strengths and types of drugs available to treat ADHD and which may be most suitable for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications, but if it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send you a document to your GP which outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Some GPs will accept these agreements however not all of them. If your GP does not, you'll need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am given a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A mental health professional can to develop a treatment program that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial, and it may consist of therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior towards other people or serious infringements of social norms and regulations at home, school or in the company of peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
Since the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it more difficult to obtain your driver's license. This is only applicable when your symptoms have a an ongoing 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 particularly if you show impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. You may have difficulty to arrange your car or remember to take your medication before driving. If you're worried about this, you can opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private health care in ADHD assessments is clear. Many adults have told us that they were given a diagnosis in private clinics without medication adjustment. They were then required go back to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just discredit the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with an illness that many feel they are judged for even by their own family.