ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD may need to be referred by a GP to a private healthcare specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or online through video chat.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that give inaccurate diagnoses. This can put people at risk.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and decrease feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members comprehend the condition and how it affects the person's daily routine. This can lead to stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK In the UK, first talk to your GP about why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by a specialist. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select a plan that lets you select your personal provider.
The next step is a thorough psychiatric evaluation, which includes an extensive interview and psychological tests. It is always helpful to bring a friend or family member with to provide assistance. After your evaluation, the specialist will provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to get a diagnose through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should still follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your healthcare provider does not find that you have ADHD you should be told why. It may be that they don't think you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they think other conditions better explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is totally acceptable and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an additional opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand them. They may be told that their issues are the result of not trying hard enough or that they are negligent or lazy. It can be frustrating, but be aware that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is masking them. Certain GPs might be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can present with the same symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or believe that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. Women who suffer from ADHD are often difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically subtler and more difficult to recognize. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment providers will require a referral from your GP before they will take your appointment. This procedure can be difficult as NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately rejected by the GPs).
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the doctor it could include questions about your home, work and family. They will also go over the various types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD and which may be best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you've been diagnosed, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and how they recommend that you be treated. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements but not all. If your GP does not, you'll be required to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?
A mental health professional can assist develop a treatment plan that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is vital, and it may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle adjustments. 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 breaches of rules and social norms at school, home or in the company of peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult to get your driving licence. However this is only the case in the event that your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something you'll need to discuss with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving, especially if you exhibit inattention and unstable driving habits. In the end you may find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If adhd diagnosis uk adults worried about this, you can opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there's no one else in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama programme gave a very negative and biased view of private care for ADHD assessments. adhd diagnosis uk adults have shared with us that they were given a diagnosis in private clinics without drug titration. They then had go back to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS but also adds to the stigma of the condition, which many believe they are judged by even by their family members.