ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD may need to be referred by a GP to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that give unreliable diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment and help you reduce the feeling of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the disorder and how it affects a person's life. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an evaluation with an expert. This process will be quicker when you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that allows you to choose your personal provider.
The next step is a comprehensive psychotherapy evaluation, which includes an extensive interview and psychological test. Bringing a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment an expert will determine the cause of ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist for adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to obtain an appointment through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with must still follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your healthcare provider does not find that you have ADHD, they should explain the reasons. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. Certain doctors might tell them that their troubles are due to a lack of effort or they're lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but you should keep in mind that these myths aren't supported by scientific research.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD are unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not be aware of what it is or how to recognize it. adhd diagnosis adult uk may dismiss the symptoms or believe that the patient is masking the symptoms. Certain GPs might be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which may present with the same symptoms).
In certain instances medical professionals who are unfamiliar with ADHD will confuse the person's behaviour with their uncontrolled ADHD or may believe that the patient is suffering from depression or anxiety as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and difficult to miss. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to set up an appointment. This isn't always easy as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and later rebuffed by GPs) with bogus reasons.
The GP who evaluates you will want to ask you some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Based on the provider the questions could be about your work, home and family. They will also talk about the various strengths and types of medications available to treat ADHD, and what may be most suitable for you. The majority of doctors will recommend stimulant medications but if they find it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
When you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send you a document to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs accept these agreements but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I receive an illness but don't want to take medication?
A mental health professional can create a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual's needs. Early treatment is essential and could include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD may also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards other people or serious infringements of social norms and regulations at school, home or in the company of friends.
What happens if I want drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult to get your driving licence. However this is only the case in the event that your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day-to-day living. You would need to discuss this with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving in particular when your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. As a result you may find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, you can choose to travel with a passenger or only drive when you know you will be alone in the car.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private health care in ADHD assessments is evident. Many adults have shared with us that they had received a diagnosis in a private clinic without any drug titration. They were then required return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS and increases the stigma associated with a condition that many people believe they are judged for even by their own family.