ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might 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 some clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment and can aid in reducing feelings of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the disorder and how it affects the life of a person. This could lead to better communication and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK In the UK, first speak to your GP about the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to be assessed. This process will be more efficient if you ask your GP to sign up for a plan that lets you choose your own provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychological assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological tests. A family member or friend to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. When delivering care to you the healthcare professionals must remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD They should be able to explain why. It could be that they don't think you meet the criteria for the disorder, or they believe that an alternative condition is more likely to explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking a different opinion.
how do you get diagnosed with adhd in adults struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. They may be told that their problems are the result of not trying hard enough or are lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should be aware that these myths aren't supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to obtain an diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition, or even how to identify it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal or think that the person is masking these symptoms. Certain GPs might be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).
In some cases medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with that of their uncontrolled ADHD or will think that the person suffers from depression or anxiety as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. Women suffering from ADHD are often difficult to identify because their symptoms are often more subtle and difficult to identify. This can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This process is not always straightforward as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and later rebuffed by GPs) on spurious grounds.
The GP who examines you will want to ask you some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your home, work and family life, based on the doctor. They will also discuss the various strengths and types of medication that are available to treat ADHD and which may be best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medications, but if it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send a letter to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement'. Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you will still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but don't want to receive medication or any other treatment?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are the same as those for ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential, and it may include talk therapy, medicine, or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD could also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression towards others or serious violations of social norms and regulations at home, school or in the company of peers.
What happens if I want to drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder for you to obtain your driving license. This is only a possibility if your symptoms are having an extended and significant impact on your life. This is something you would need to discuss with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving, especially if you exhibit inattention and unstable driving habits. As a result, you might find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication before getting behind the wheel. If you are worried about this, you could choose to drive with a passenger or only drive when you know you'll be the only driver in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama programme gave a very biased negative view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration, and they are required to go back to their GP and wait in the end of the line to undergo an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked into a private clinic. This not only discredits the NHS but also adds to the stigma associated with a condition that makes many sufferers feel judged, even by family members.