ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by a GP to a private healthcare specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment options and help you reduce the feeling of anxiety and self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members understand the condition and how it impacts the person's daily routine. This can lead to better relationships and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an evaluation with a specialist. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to use the plan that allows you to select your personal provider.
Then, you will undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a detailed psychological test and clinical interview. It is always helpful to bring a family member with you to offer support. After the assessment, a specialist will identify ADHD and make treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist for adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to get an diagnosis through the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with must still adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor does not identify you as having ADHD the doctor must explain why. It may be that they don't think you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they think another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals do not understand their symptoms. They may be told their problems are a result of not working hard enough or are negligent or lazy. This can be extremely frustrating however it is important to remember that these kinds of myths do not come from evidence from science.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to obtain a diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or know how to recognize it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or assume the person is concealing the symptoms. Certain GPs might also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health disorders like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).
Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD may mistake the person's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD, or assume that they suffer from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. Women who suffer from ADHD can find it difficult to recognize because their symptoms are often less obvious and harder to detect. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This can be a difficult process due to the fact that NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to, and then rejected by the GPs).
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life and how ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the provider the questions could be 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 best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a document 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 accept these agreements, you will still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are similar to those of ADHD, so a mental health professional can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or medication. It may also require lifestyle modifications. Children with ADHD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards other people or serious violations of social norms and rules at school, home or in the company of friends.
What happens if I want drive?
As the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having the condition could make it harder for you to get your driver's licence. However it is only applicable in the event that your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your daily living. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you drive, especially when your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. In how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there is no anyone else in the vehicle.
As you can see that the Panorama program gave a highly biased negative perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they were given an assessment in private clinics without drug titration. They were then required return to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS and increases the stigma associated with the condition, which many think they are judged by even by their family members.