ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might be referred by a GP to a private healthcare professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A professional diagnosis can give you treatment options and help reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members better comprehend the condition and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can result in stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reasons you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert for an assessment. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to use an option that lets you choose your personal provider.
The next step is a thorough psychological evaluation, which consists of an in-depth interview and psychological tests. diagnosis adhd is always beneficial to bring a friend or family member with you for support. After the assessment the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to get an diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should still adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your doctor doesn't determine that you have ADHD the doctor should explain the reason. 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 fine and shouldn't stop you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the main reasons why adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical professionals. They may be told that their problems are a result of not working to do enough or are lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should be aware 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 may not be aware of the condition, or even how to recognize it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is hiding these symptoms. Some doctors may be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which may present with the same symptoms).
In some instances medical professionals who are unfamiliar with ADHD might confuse the person's behavior with their uncontrolled ADHD or will assume that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to miss. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they can take you on for an appointment. This procedure can be difficult due to the fact that NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then promptly rejected by the GPs).
The GP who examines you will want to ask you some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This could include questions about your home, work, and family, depending on the provider. They will also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send you a document to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a'shared-care agreement'. Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements but not all. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you'll still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed but don't want to undergo medication or another treatment?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to those for ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can help develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression towards other people or serious infringements of social norms and rules at home, school, or among friends.
What happens if you decide to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it harder 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.
In the same way, having ADHD may affect how well you drive particularly if your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. As a result you may find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you are concerned about this, you may choose to drive with a passenger or only drive when you know you'll be the only driver in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama programme gave a very negative and distorted opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they received an assessment in private clinics without medication titration. They were then required to return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also contributes to the stigma surrounding the condition, which makes many people feel judged, even by their family members.