ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by a GP to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or online through video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that offer incorrect diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and decrease feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members to comprehend the condition and how it affects the person's daily routine. This could lead to better communication and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss why you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to conduct an assessment. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to sign up for the plan that lets you choose your own provider.
The next step is a comprehensive psychotherapy assessment, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological test. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After your assessment, a specialist will identify ADHD and make treatment recommendations. Your appointment should last two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should still 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 They should be able to explain why. It may be that they don't believe you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they believe that another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking an alternative opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. They might be told that their problems are a result of not working hard enough or are lazy or negligent. This can be very frustrating however it is important to keep in mind that these stereotypes are not based on research-based evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to identify it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is masking these symptoms. Some GPs may be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health issues 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 for their unmanaged ADHD or believe that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. This is particularly challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easy to overlook. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment providers will require a referral from your GP before they will bring you on for an appointment. This process is not always easy as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to and later rebuffed by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP who examines you will ask you some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This could include questions about your job, home, and family, depending on the service provider. They will also talk about the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Most doctors will suggest stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you've been diagnosed and the doctor will write to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and how they recommend you should be treated. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors accept these agreements but not all. If your GP doesn't, you will need to continue 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 help to develop a treatment program that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and could include therapy or a medication. It could also include lifestyle adjustments. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression towards other people or serious violations of rules and social norms at school, home or in the company of friends.
What happens if you decide to drive?
As the DVLA considers ADHD as a disability, having the condition could make it more difficult for you to obtain your driver's license. This is only applicable when your symptoms have a a long-term and significant impact on your life. This is something you'll need to discuss with your doctor.
Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving, especially if your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. As diagnosis for adhd in adults could find you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before getting behind the wheel. If you are concerned about this, you can decide to travel with a passenger or only drive when you'll be driving on your own in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is evident. Many adults have reported to us that they received a diagnosis in private clinics without medication titration. They then had return to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS, it creates a stigma around the condition, which many believe they are being judged for even by their own family.