ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person, or via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that provide incorrect diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members to know the symptoms and how it impacts the person's daily routine. This can lead to better relationships and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss why you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment with a specialist. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to sign up for an option that lets you choose your own provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation, which includes a detailed interview and psychological tests. It is always beneficial to bring a family member along with you to offer assistance. After the assessment the doctor will give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can assist you in avoiding the pitfalls of trying to get an diagnosis through the NHS. If you are receiving treatment the healthcare professionals must remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't determine that you have ADHD, he or she should explain the reason. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they may think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals do not understand their symptoms. They may be told that their problems are a result of not working hard enough or that they 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 evidence from science.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting an diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not be aware of what it is or how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or think that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some GPs may also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).
In certain instances, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD will confuse the person's behaviour with their unmanaged ADHD or assume that the person suffers from anxiety or depression because of their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to miss. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment providers will require a written consent from your GP before they will bring you on for an appointment. This is not always easy as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then immediately batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the doctor it could include questions about your home, work and family. They will also talk about the various strengths and types of medication that are available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications, but if it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed and the doctor will write to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which that you be treated. This is referred to as a'shared-care agreement'. Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not, you will need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed but don't want to undergo medication or another treatment?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are similar to those of ADHD and anxiety, therefore a mental health professional can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and may include therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression toward other people or serious breaches of social norms and rules at school, at home or with friends.
What happens if you decide to drive?
Since the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a impairment, having the condition can make it more difficult to get your driver's licence. However this is only the case if your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. You would need to discuss this with your doctor.
In adult adhd diagnosis uk , having ADHD can affect how you drive particularly if your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. You may find it difficult to organize your car or ensure that you take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, you could opt to drive with a friend or only drive when you know you'll be driving on your own in the car.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without drug titration, but then must go back to their GP and wait in the end of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into an private clinic. This does not just discredit the NHS but also adds to the stigma that surrounds a condition for which many people feel belittled by their family members.