ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by their doctor to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference.
Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and help reduce feelings of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the disorder and how it affects the person's life. This could lead to better communication and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK In the UK, first talk to your GP about the reason you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an evaluation with a specialist. This process will be faster if you ask your GP to use a scheme which allows you to select your preferred provider.
You will then undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment which includes a thorough psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. It is a good idea to bring a family member with to provide assistance. After the assessment an expert will identify ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last between two and three hours.
A private diagnosis specialist for adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to obtain a diagnose through the NHS. If you are receiving treatment the healthcare professionals must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor does not find that you suffer from ADHD They should be able to explain the reasons. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. They may be told their problems are a result of not working hard enough or are incompetent or negligent. It can be frustrating, but remember that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific research.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or assume the person is concealing the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behaviour with their unmanaged ADHD or think that the person suffers from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easier to miss. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter 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 and later rebuffed by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP who assesses you will be looking to ask you some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your job, home and family, based on the doctor. They will also talk about the different types and strengths of medications available to treat ADHD, and what may be the best for you. Most clinicians will suggest stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you have a diagnosis and 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 referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements however not all of them. If your GP does not, you will need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed, but I do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?
A mental health professional can help create a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual's needs. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or a medication. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may also require lifestyle modifications. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression towards others or serious breaches of social norms and rules at home, school or with friends.
What happens if you want to drive?
As the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having the condition could make it harder for you to get your driver's license. However this is only the case when your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your daily living. This is something you would need to discuss with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. In the end you may find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication before getting behind the wheel. If you are concerned about this, you could choose to drive with a friend or only drive when you know you'll be driving on your own in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama program gave a highly biased negative perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration, and they are required to go back to their GP and stand at the back of the queue for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into a private clinic. This doesn't only discredit the NHS and adds to the stigma of a condition that many people think they are being judged for even by their own family.