ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by their doctor to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video calls.
Panorama A BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This can put people at risk.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant 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 impacts the life of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reason you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an evaluation with an expert. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to select an option that allows you to select your own provider.
The next step is a thorough psychological evaluation, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. It is always helpful to bring a friend or family member with you for assistance. After the evaluation an expert will diagnose ADHD and make treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last for about two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that could arise when you attempt to obtain an appointment with the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with should still follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If your doctor does not determine that you have ADHD then he or she should explain the reason. It could be because they don't think 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 discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
One of the most common reasons that adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. Certain doctors might tell them that their troubles are caused by the lack of effort or that they are lazy or incompetent. This can be very frustrating However, it is important to keep in mind that these types of myths do not come from evidence from science.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to identify it. adhd in adults undiagnosed ADHD Diagnosis might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or assume that the person is hiding them. 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 may present with the same symptoms).
In some instances, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD might confuse the person's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or will assume that the person is suffering from anxiety or depression because of their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to overlook. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective.
Certain private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then promptly rejected by GPs).
The GP who evaluates you will want to ask some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the doctor the questions could be about your work, home and family. They will also go over the various types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD and which may be most suitable for you. Most doctors will suggest stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
When you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send a letter to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is known as a'shared-care agreement'. Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements but not all. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you'll still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but do not want to take medication or other treatment?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are the same as those of ADHD and anxiety, therefore an expert in mental health can help develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and could include therapy or medication. It could also include lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards others or serious violations of rules and social norms at school, home or in the company of friends.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder for you to obtain your driving license. This is only applicable in the event that your symptoms are having a an extended and significant impact on your daily routine. You should discuss this with your doctor.
Similar to having ADHD could affect how you perform when driving in particular when your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. In the end you could find you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, choose to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.
As you can see it, the Panorama programme gave a very negative and distorted opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration test, but then must go back to their GP and stand at the back of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into a private clinic. This not only discredits the NHS but also increases the stigma that surrounds the condition, which makes many sufferers feel belittled by their family members.