ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may refer an adult with ADHD to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person, or via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that give inaccurate diagnoses. This can put people 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 reduce feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members to understand the condition and how it affects the daily activities of a person. This could lead to better communication and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reasons you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an assessment with an expert. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to select a plan that lets you select your own provider.
The next step is a thorough psychotherapy evaluation, which consists of a detailed interview and psychological tests. It is a good idea to bring a friend or family member with to provide support. After the assessment the specialist will present a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with must still follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your healthcare provider doesn't believe you suffer from ADHD, they should explain why. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. Certain doctors might tell that their issues result from a lack of effort or they're lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should remember that these myths aren't supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to receive an diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to diagnose it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or believe that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some GPs may also be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).
In some instances medical professionals who are unfamiliar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or may assume that the person suffers from anxiety or depression due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD can find it difficult to identify because their symptoms are typically more subtle and difficult to detect. This confusion can lead to inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies will require a letter from your GP before they will take your appointment. This process can be complicated due to the fact that NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then immediately rejected by the GPs).
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the doctor the questions could be about your work, home and family. They will also discuss the different types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD, and what may be best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first, but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant drug like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.
If you are diagnosed your doctor will then send paperwork to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you'll still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but don't want to undergo medication or another treatment?
A mental health professional can assist create a treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and could include therapy or medication. ADHD Diagnosis could also involve lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards other people or severe violations of rules and social norms at school, home or with friends.
What happens if I want drive?
Since the DVLA considers ADHD as a disability, having the condition can make it harder for you to obtain your driver's license. However, this is only when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. You would need to discuss this with your doctor.
Similar to having ADHD may affect how well you perform when driving in particular if your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. In the end you could find you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication before getting behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there is no one else in the car.
The negative image of Panorama's private healthcare in ADHD assessments is apparent. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis 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 due to being'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This not only discredits the NHS but also contributes to the stigma surrounding a condition that makes many sufferers feel judged, even by their family members.