ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that give inaccurate diagnoses. This can put people at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can help family members understand the symptoms and how it impacts a person's life. This can result in stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about the reasons you think you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an evaluation with an expert. This process will be quicker if you ask your GP to sign up for a plan that lets you choose your personal provider.
The next step is a thorough psychological assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological tests. It is always helpful to bring a friend or family member with to provide support. After your evaluation the doctor will give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when seeking an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. When providing care to you the healthcare professionals must follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor is unable to diagnose you with ADHD the doctor must explain why. It could be because they don't believe you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they believe other conditions better explain your behavior (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking a different opinion.
One of the main reasons adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical experts. They might be told that their problems are the result of not trying to do enough or are incompetent or negligent. diagnosing adhd in adults uk can be extremely disappointing, but it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of stereotypes are not based on evidence from science.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to diagnose it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or assume that the person is hiding the symptoms. Certain GPs might be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or think that they are suffering from anxiety or depression disorder due to it. This can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to miss. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they will take the appointment. This process can be complicated due to the fact that NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then promptly rejected by the GPs).
The GP who evaluates you will ask you some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This may include questions about your home, work and family life, based on the provider. They will also talk about the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be the best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medication first but if this doesn't suit you then a non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
If you are diagnosed the doctor will send a letter to your GP that outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors will sign these agreements however not all will. If your GP does not, you will be required to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed but do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to those for ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential, and it may include therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression towards other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at home, school, or among peers.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it more difficult to get your driver's license. This is only a possibility when your symptoms have a an extended and significant impact on your life. This is something you would need to discuss with your physician.
In the same way, having ADHD could affect how you drive in particular in the case of an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. In the end you may find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you are concerned about this, you may choose to travel with a passenger or only drive when you will be alone in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private health care in ADHD assessments is evident. Many adults have reported to us that they had received a diagnosis in an private clinic with no drug titration. They then had return to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS and increases the stigma associated with a condition that many people feel they are judged by, even by their family members.