ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional to receive an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video calls.
Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This puts patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and help you reduce the feeling of self-doubt and confusion. Having a diagnosis also helps family members better know the symptoms and how it affects a person's daily life. This could lead to better communication and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an evaluation with a specialist. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to use a plan that lets you choose your preferred provider.
Then, you will undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment which includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. It is always beneficial to bring a family member along with you for support. After the assessment, a specialist will determine the cause of ADHD and make treatment recommendations. The appointment is expected to last around two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist for adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS. When providing care to you, the healthcare professionals should still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't identify you as having ADHD, he or she should explain the reason. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they might think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the primary reasons why adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical professionals. They might be told that their issues are the result of not working to do enough or are incompetent or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should remember that these myths aren't supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting a diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or how to diagnose it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is masking these symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who aren't familiar with ADHD might confuse the person's behavior with their uncontrolled ADHD or believe that the patient suffers from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easier to miss. This confusion can lead to inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a letter of recommendation 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 immediately rejected by GPs).
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider it could include questions about your home, work and family. They'll also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first. However, should this not work for you then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.
Once adhd diagnosis adult you have a diagnosis and the doctor will write to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and how you should be treated. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors will accept these agreements however not all will. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you'll still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed but do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to those of ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and could include therapy or medication. It may also require lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior towards other people, or serious violations of social norms and rules at home, school or with peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This can make it harder for you to obtain your driving licence. This only applies in the event that your symptoms are having a a long-term and significant impact on your daily routine. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.
Similar to having ADHD may affect how well you perform when driving in particular when your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. In the end you may find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you are concerned about this, you may choose to drive with a friend or only drive when you'll be driving on your own in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. Many adults have reported to us that they received a diagnosis in a private clinic without any drug titration. They were then required return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just discredit the NHS and increases the stigma associated with a condition that many people believe they are judged by, even by their family members.