ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD might need to be referred by their GP to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that give inaccurate diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
A medical diagnosis can provide you treatment options and help reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members comprehend the condition and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can result in stronger relationships as well as a more educated approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK You should first talk to your GP about why you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment with a specialist. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to use the plan that lets you choose your own provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychological evaluation, which consists of a detailed interview and psychological test. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After your assessment an expert will identify ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that could arise when trying to get an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should still adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If your doctor does not diagnose you with ADHD then he or she should explain why. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals misunderstand them. They may be told their problems are the result of not working hard enough or that they are negligent or lazy. It can be frustrating, but you should remember that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific research.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition, or even how to diagnose it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or think that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some doctors may also be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).
In certain instances, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with that of their uncontrolled ADHD or assume that the person suffers from depression or anxiety as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. Women suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to identify because their symptoms tend to be subtler and more difficult to identify. This confusion could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a letter of recommendation from your GP to make an appointment. This process is not always straightforward as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then promptly batted back by GPs) with bogus reasons.
The GP who evaluates you will be looking to ask you some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. This may include questions about your home, work and family, based on the doctor. They will also talk about the various strengths and types of drugs available to treat ADHD, and what may be the best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first, but in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
If iampsychiatry are diagnosed the doctor will send a letter 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'. Certain doctors will sign these agreements however not all of them. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed but do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are similar to those of ADHD and anxiety, therefore a mental health professional can assist in developing a treatment plan that fits the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is vital, and it may consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. Children with ADHD could be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior toward other people or serious infringements of social norms and regulations at school, home or with friends.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
Since the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it harder for you to obtain your driver's license. This only applies in the event that your symptoms are having a a long-term and significant impact on your daily routine. You should discuss this 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 prior to driving. If you're worried about this, choose to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.
As you can see that the Panorama programme gave a very biased negative view of private care for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they received an diagnosis at an private clinic with no drug titration. They then had return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This not only discredits the NHS but also contributes to the stigma associated with a condition that makes many sufferers are that they are judged, even by family members.