ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This can put people at risk.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment options and aid in reducing feelings of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the disorder and how it affects the life of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK, you should first speak to your GP about the reasons you think you suffer from ADHD. diagnosed with adult adhd ADHD Diagnosis should consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by a specialist. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to use an option that lets you select your preferred provider.
The next step is a thorough psychological evaluation, which consists of a detailed interview and psychological test. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After your assessment an expert will determine the cause of ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to obtain an appointment through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with must still follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your healthcare provider does not find that you suffer from ADHD They should be able to explain the reason. It may be that they don't believe you meet their criteria for the disorder, or they think other conditions better explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals do not understand them. Certain doctors might tell them that their problems result from a lack of effort or that they are lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but be aware that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific research.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or know how to diagnose it. Some might ignore the signs or think that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the distinction between ADHD, depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behaviour with their unmanaged ADHD or believe that the patient is suffering from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easier to overlook. This can lead to inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to make an appointment. This process can be complicated as NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to, and then immediately rejected by doctors).
The GP will ask you questions about your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This can include questions regarding your work, home and family life, based on the provider. They'll also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be the best for you. Most doctors will suggest stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you have a diagnosis the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how that you be treated. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements, but not all of them will. If your GP doesn't, you will be required to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed, but I do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are the same as those for ADHD, so a mental health professional can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or medication. It could also involve lifestyle adjustments. Children with ADHD can be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior towards other people or serious infringements of social norms and regulations at home, school or with peers.
What happens if I want to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder for you to obtain your driving licence. This is only applicable when your symptoms have a a long-term and significant impact on your life. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. In the end, you might find that you have difficulty with organising 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's no anyone else in the vehicle.
As you can see, the Panorama programme gave a very 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 end of the line for an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked' in to a private clinic. This doesn't only discredit the NHS, it adds to the stigma of the condition, which many believe they are judged for even by their own family.