ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or by video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that offer unreliable diagnoses. This can put people at risk.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you treatment options and help reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the condition, and how it affects the person's life. This could lead to better communication and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reason you think you have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment by a specialist. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to use an option that allows you to select your personal provider.
The next step is a comprehensive psychotherapy assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. It is always beneficial to bring a family member along with you for assistance. After your assessment the doctor will give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last around two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when trying to get 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 healthcare provider doesn't believe you have ADHD, they should explain the reason. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable and shouldn't stop you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand them. They may be told their problems are the result of not working hard enough or are incompetent or negligent. It can be frustrating, but keep in mind that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific research.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or know how to diagnose it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or assume that the person is masking these symptoms. Certain GPs might be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD or believe that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. Women suffering from ADHD are often difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically less obvious and harder to recognize. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that aren't effective.
Certain private assessment providers will require a written consent from your GP before they will take the appointment. This can be a difficult process because NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately rejected by the GPs).
The GP who examines you will be looking to inquire about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your home, work and family, based on the service provider. They will also talk about the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be most suitable for you. The majority of doctors will recommend stimulant medications, but if it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you've been diagnosed the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and how you should be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors will accept these agreements, but not all of them will. If your GP doesn't, you will have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get an illness but don't want to take medication?
A mental health professional can help create a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and could include therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression toward other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at school, home or in the company of peers.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult to get your driving license. This is only applicable in the event that your symptoms are having a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily routine. You should discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. In the end, you might find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, you can opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there is no one else in the car.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private health care in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration test, but they are required to return to their GP and stand at the back of the line to undergo an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked' in to the private clinic. updated blog post doesn't just denigrate the NHS and adds to the stigma of the condition, which many believe they are judged for even by their own family.