ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by their doctor to a private health specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video chat.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that provide incorrect diagnoses. This could put patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and help you reduce the feeling of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the condition, and how it impacts a person's life. This can lead to better relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to a specialist to be assessed. This process will be quicker If you request your GP to sign up for a plan that lets you choose your own provider.
The next step is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, which consists of an in-depth interview and psychological test. Bringing a family member along is always beneficial. After the assessment, a specialist will identify ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can assist you in avoiding the pitfalls of trying to get an appointment through the NHS. When providing care to you healthcare professionals, they must remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor does not identify you as having ADHD, he or she should explain the reason. It could be that they don't believe you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they think an alternative condition is more likely to explain your behavior (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and should not discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
One of the main reasons adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical professionals. They may be told their problems are the result of not working hard enough or that they are incompetent or negligent. This can be extremely disappointing, but it is important to remember that these stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to diagnose it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is hiding these symptoms. Some doctors may also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD, or assume that they suffer from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. Women who suffer from ADHD are often difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically more subtle and difficult to recognize. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This process can be complicated as NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then promptly rejected by GPs).
The GP who assesses you will inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the doctor the questions could be about your work, home and family. They will also discuss the various strengths and types of drugs available to treat ADHD, and what may be best for you. Typically, how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will look at stimulant medication first but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant drug such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
If you are diagnosed your doctor will then send paperwork to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors will sign these agreements however, not all of them will. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you'll still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to those for ADHD, so a mental health professional can assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan that meets the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is vital and may include talk therapy, medicine 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 severe violations of social norms and rules at school, home or in the company of peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult for you to obtain your driving licence. This is only a possibility if your symptoms are having an ongoing and significant impact on your daily routine. You would need to discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show inattention and unstable driving habits. In the end you may find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you are worried about this, you can decide to travel with a passenger or only drive when you are certain you'll be driving on your own in the car.
The negative image of Panorama's private care in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration, and then have to return to their GP and wait at the end of the line to undergo an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This does not just discredit the NHS but also adds to the stigma associated with a condition for which many people feel judged, even by their family members.