ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video calls.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment and help you reduce the feeling of anxiety and self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members know the symptoms and how it impacts the person's daily routine. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to use an option that lets you select your own provider.
You will then go through an extensive psychiatric examination which includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. It is a good idea to bring a family member with you for support. After your assessment, a specialist will identify ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. Your appointment should last two sessions.
A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. If you are receiving treatment the healthcare professionals must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor does not diagnose you with ADHD then he or she must explain why. It may be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they believe that an alternative condition is more likely to explain your behavior (symptoms). This is totally acceptable and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. Some doctors might inform them that their troubles are caused by an inability to work or that they are lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but you should keep in mind that these stereotypes aren't supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to identify it. Some might ignore the signs or think that the patient is concealing the symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms).
In some instances medical professionals who are not familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or will assume that the person is suffering from anxiety or depression as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. Women with ADHD are often difficult to recognize because their symptoms tend to be more subtle and difficult to recognize. This can lead to inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This can be a difficult process due to the fact that NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then rejected by GPs).
The GP who evaluates you will be looking to inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This could include questions about your work, home and family, based on the provider. They will also discuss the various types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first, but if this doesn't suit you then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
When you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send a letter to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some GPs accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you'll still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to take medication or other treatment?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to those for ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help you develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or a medication. It could also involve 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 social norms and rules at school, home or with friends.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult for you to obtain your driving licence. This is only applicable when your symptoms have a a long-term and significant impact on your life. You would need to discuss this with your physician.
how do i get an adhd diagnosis can also affect your driving, especially if you exhibit inattention and unstable driving habits. As a result you could find you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before getting behind the wheel. If you are concerned about this, you could choose to drive with a passenger or only drive when you are certain you'll be the only driver in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration, and they are required to return to their GP and wait in the back of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked' in to an private clinic. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS, it creates a stigma around a condition that many people think they are being judged for, even by their own family.