ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by their doctor to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that give unreliable diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and can help reduce feelings of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the condition, and how it affects the life of a person. This can result in better relationships and a better management of ADHD.
In adhd uk diagnosis should first talk to your GP about the reason you believe you suffer from 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 sign up for the plan that lets you choose your personal provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychological evaluation, which consists of an extensive interview and psychological tests. Bringing a family member along is always beneficial. After your evaluation, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment is expected to last around two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist for adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to get an appointment through the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your healthcare provider isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD you should be told the reason. It could be because they don't believe you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they think another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals do not understand their symptoms. They might be told that their problems are a result of not trying hard enough or that they are lazy or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating, but it is important to keep in mind that these types of stereotypes are not based on evidence from science.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not be aware of what it is or how to diagnose it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or assume that the person is masking these symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the distinction between ADHD depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
In some cases medical professionals who are not familiar with ADHD might confuse the person's behaviour with their unmanaged ADHD or will believe that the patient suffers from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD are often difficult to identify because their symptoms are often more subtle and difficult to recognize. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment companies will require a written consent from your GP before they will take you on for an appointment. This is not always easy as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP who evaluates you will want to inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the doctor it could include questions about your work, home and family. They will also talk about the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medication first but if this doesn't suit you then a nonstimulant drug such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
If you are diagnosed the doctor will send you a document to your GP that details the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs will accept these agreements, but not all of them will. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am given a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are the same as the symptoms of ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is vital and may consist of therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from 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, at home or with peers.
What happens if I want to drive?
As the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having the condition can make it harder for you to get your driver's license. This is only applicable in the event that your symptoms are having a a long-term and significant impact on your daily life. This is something that you'll need to discuss with your physician.
In the same way, having ADHD may affect how well you perform when driving, especially when your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. You may find it difficult to organize your car or remember to take your medication before driving. If you are concerned about this, you could opt to drive with a passenger or only drive when you will be alone in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama programme gave a very negative and distorted opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but they are required to go back to their GP and wait in the back of the queue to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked' in to an private clinic. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS but also adds to the stigma of an illness that many feel they are judged for even by their family members.