ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by a GP to a private health specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the disorder and how it impacts a person's life. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. This process will be faster If you request your GP to refer you to a scheme that lets you choose your personal provider.
iampsychiatry.uk will then go through an extensive psychiatric evaluation which includes a thorough psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. Bringing a family member along is always beneficial. After the assessment, a specialist will identify ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can assist you in avoiding the pitfalls of trying to get 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 doctor is unable to determine that you have ADHD then he or she should explain why. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an additional opinion.
One of the most common reasons why adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical professionals. Some doctors might inform them that their troubles are caused by a lack of effort or that they are lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but be aware that these myths aren't supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition, or even how to diagnose it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or think that the patient is hiding the signs. Some GPs may be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which may present with similar symptoms).
In some instances, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or will assume that the person suffers from anxiety or depression as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. Women with ADHD are often difficult to recognize because their symptoms tend to be more subtle and difficult to recognize. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment companies will require a referral from your GP before they will take your appointment. This isn't always straightforward as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to and then promptly batted back by doctors) on spurious grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This may include questions about your work, home and family life, based on the service provider. They will also discuss the various types and strengths of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications however if they don't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
When you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send you a document to your GP that details the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors accept these agreements but not all. If your GP does not, you will have to continue paying privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed but do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?
A mental health professional can create a treatment plan specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or medication. It could also involve lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD can be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression toward other people or serious violations of social norms and guidelines at home, school or in the company of peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult for you to get your driver's licence. This is only a possibility when your symptoms have a a long-term and significant impact on your life. This is something you would need to discuss with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you perform when driving in particular when your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. You may find it difficult to arrange your car or ensure that you take your medication prior to driving. If you're concerned about this, you can opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private health care in ADHD assessments is apparent. Many adults have shared with us that they had received an assessment in a private clinic without any medication adjustment. They then had go back to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This does not just discredit the NHS but also contributes to the stigma that surrounds a condition that makes many sufferers are belittled by their family members.