ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD may need to be referred by their doctor to a private healthcare specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that offer unreliable diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can provide you treatment options and help reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the condition and how it affects the person's daily routine. This can lead to stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, you should first speak to your GP about the reason you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to an expert for an assessment. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your preferred provider.
The next step is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, which consists of a detailed interview and psychological tests. It is always helpful to bring a family member along with you for assistance. After your evaluation the doctor will give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to get an appointment through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your doctor does not diagnose you with ADHD then he or she should explain the reason. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they might think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable 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 their symptoms. They might be told that their issues are the result of not trying hard enough or that they are negligent or lazy. This can be extremely disappointing, but it is important to keep in mind that these myths do not come from scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to obtain an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to diagnose it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is masking these symptoms. Some GPs may also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health conditions such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).
In certain instances medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with that of their uncontrolled ADHD or will assume that the person suffers from anxiety or depression as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. This can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easy to overlook. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that aren't effective.
Certain private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they will take your appointment. This is not always straightforward, as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and later rebuffed by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP who evaluates you will be looking to ask some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. Based on the provider, this can include questions about your home, work and family. They will also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best 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.
If you are diagnosed, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and how that you be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors will sign these agreements, but not all will. If adult adhd diagnosis uk GP doesn't, you will need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?
A mental health professional can assist to develop a treatment program that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and could include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression toward other people or severe violations of rules and social norms at school, at home or with peers.
What happens if I want drive?
As the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having the condition can make it more difficult to get your driver's license. This only applies when your symptoms have a an extended and significant impact on your life. This is something that you should discuss with your physician.
In the same way, having ADHD could affect how you drive particularly in the case of inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. You may have difficulty to organize your car or remember to take your medication before driving. If you are concerned about this, you can choose to travel with a passenger or only drive when you'll be driving on your own in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama program provided a biased negative view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration test, but then have to return to their GP and stand at the back of the queue for an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked into an private clinic. This doesn't just discredit the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with a condition that many people feel they are judged by, even by their own family.