ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by a GP to a private healthcare professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or by video chat.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and decrease feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the condition, and how it impacts the life of a person. This can lead to stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reason you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to use a scheme that lets you choose your own provider.
You will then go through a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a detailed psychological test and clinical interview. It is always beneficial to bring a family member with you for support. After your assessment, a specialist will identify ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid 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 practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor doesn't determine that you have ADHD then he or she should explain why. It may be that they don't believe that you meet their criteria for the disorder, or they think another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the main reasons adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical experts. They might be told that their issues are the result of not working hard enough or are incompetent or negligent. This can be very frustrating however it is important to remember that these stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not be aware of the nature of the condition or how to diagnose it. Some might ignore the signs or believe that the patient is hiding the signs. Some doctors may be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which may present with the same symptoms).
Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD, or assume that they suffer from anxiety or depression disorder as a result. This is especially challenging for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to miss. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies will require a letter from your GP before they can take the appointment. This can be a difficult process due to the fact that NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to, and then rejected by the GPs).
The GP who evaluates you will want to inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Depending on the doctor the questions could be about your home, work and family. They will also talk about the different types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD and which may be best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medication first but if this doesn't suit you then a non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.
If you are diagnosed, the clinician will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how you should be treated. 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 accept these agreements, you will still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?
A mental health professional can assist to develop a treatment program that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and may involve talk therapy or medicine. It may also require lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or severe violations of rules and social norms at school, at home or in the company of peers.
What happens if I want to drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder for you to obtain your driving license. This is only a possibility if your symptoms are having a long-term and significant impact on your daily routine. You should discuss this with your doctor.
In the same way, having ADHD could affect how you perform when driving in particular when your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. In the end, you might find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication before getting behind the wheel. If you are worried about this, you could opt to drive with a passenger or only drive when you are certain you'll be driving on your own in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private health care in ADHD assessments is evident. Many adults have told us that they were given an diagnosis at private clinics without drug adjustment. adhd diagnosis in adults had go back to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This not only discredits the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with a condition that makes many people feel judged, even by family members.