ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you treatment options and help reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members better know the symptoms and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can lead to stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK You should first talk to your GP about why you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an evaluation with an expert. This process will be quicker if you ask your GP to sign up for a plan which allows you to select your personal provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. Bringing a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the evaluation the specialist will be able to determine the cause of ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. The appointment is expected to last between two and three hours.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when you attempt to obtain an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with must still follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If your doctor doesn't identify you as having ADHD then he or she should explain why. It could be that they don't think you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they think an alternative condition is more likely to explain your traits (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the primary reasons why adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical experts. adhd diagnosis uk adults might be told that their problems are the result of not working to do enough or are incompetent or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating, but it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to diagnose it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or assume the person is masking the symptoms. Some doctors may be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health conditions such as depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with that of their uncontrolled ADHD or may think that the person is suffering from anxiety or depression because of their unmanaged ADHD. This can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to miss. This could lead to a mistreatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they will take the appointment. This procedure can be difficult as NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to, and then promptly rejected by the GPs).
The GP who evaluates you will be looking to ask some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider the questions could be about your home, work and family. They will also go over the various strengths and types of drugs available to treat ADHD and which may be best for you. Most doctors will suggest stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send paperwork to your GP which outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement'. Certain doctors will sign these agreements however not all will. If your GP doesn't, you will need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am given a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are the same as those for ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and may include talk therapy or medication. It could also include lifestyle modifications. Children who suffer from ADHD may also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior towards others, or serious violations of social norms and regulations at home, school or with peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
As the DVLA considers ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it harder for you to get your driver's license. This is only applicable if your symptoms are having an ongoing and significant impact on your daily life. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance, especially if you exhibit an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. As a result, you might find that you are having trouble 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 passenger or only drive when you are certain you'll be the only driver in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and distorted opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration test, but they are required to return to their GP and wait in the back of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This doesn't only discredit the NHS and creates a stigma around an illness that many believe they are judged for, even by their family members.