ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may refer an adult with ADHD to a private health professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can provide you access to treatments and decrease feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the condition, and how it affects the person's life. This can lead to stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an evaluation with an expert. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to use an option that lets you choose your personal provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric assessment, which includes an extensive interview and psychological tests. Bring a family member along is always beneficial. After your evaluation, the specialist will provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when seeking an appointment with the NHS. When delivering care to you, the healthcare professionals should follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't believe you suffer from ADHD, they should explain the reason. It could be because they don't believe you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they believe another condition better explains your behavior (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. Some doctors might inform them that their problems are caused by the lack of effort or that they are lazy or incompetent. This can be extremely disappointing, but it is important to remember that these kinds of stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not be aware of what it is or how to identify it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is hiding these symptoms. Certain GPs might also be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD or think that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder as a result. Women suffering from ADHD are often difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically less obvious and harder to identify. This confusion can lead to inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they can take the appointment. This process can be complicated as NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then promptly rejected by the GPs).
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk who examines you will want to ask you some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. This may include questions about your home, work and family life, based on the provider. They'll also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be the best for you. The majority of doctors will recommend stimulant medications but if they find it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you've been diagnosed the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and how that you be treated. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements however, not all will. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am given a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?
A mental health professional can to develop a treatment program that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or serious violations of rules and social norms at school, at home or with peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having the condition can make it harder for you to get your driver's licence. This is only a possibility in the event that your symptoms are having a an extended and significant impact on your daily life. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.
Similar to having ADHD may affect how well you drive, especially if your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. As a result you could find you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you are concerned about this, you could opt to drive with a friend or only drive when you are certain you will be alone in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is evident. Many adults have shared with us that they were given an diagnosis at a private clinic without any medication titration. They then had return to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't just discredit the NHS and creates a stigma around a condition that many people believe they are being judged for even by their family members.