ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person, or via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that provide incorrect diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What happens if I don't receive an appointment?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment options and help you reduce the feeling of self-doubt and confusion. The diagnosis can help family members to know the symptoms and how it impacts a person's daily life. This can result in better relationships and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reasons you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment with an expert. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select an option that allows you to select your personal provider.
The next step is a thorough psychological evaluation, which includes an extensive interview and psychological tests. Bring a family member along is always beneficial. After your assessment the specialist will be able to diagnose ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to get a diagnose through the NHS. If you are receiving treatment healthcare professionals, they must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD, they should explain the reasons. It may be that they don't think you meet their criteria for the disorder, or they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking an alternative opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand them. They may be told their problems are the result of not trying to do enough or are lazy or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating however it is important to keep in mind that these stereotypes are not based on evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting a diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to identify it. Some might ignore the signs or believe that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the distinction between ADHD depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).
In some instances medical professionals who are unfamiliar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with that of their uncontrolled ADHD or think that the person suffers from anxiety or depression due to their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to miss. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies will require a referral from your GP before they can take your appointment. This process is not always straightforward, as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and later rebuffed by doctors) with bogus reasons.
The GP who evaluates you will want to inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your home, work and family life, based on the service provider. They will also talk about the different types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD, and what may be the best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If adhd diagnostic are diagnosed, the clinician will write to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and how they recommend you should be treated. This is called a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors accept these agreements but not all. If your GP does not, you will need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed but don't want to take medication or other treatment?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, therefore an expert in mental health can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or medicine. It may also require lifestyle modifications. Children who suffer from ADHD could also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression towards others or serious violations of social norms and regulations at school, home or with peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
As the DVLA considers ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it harder for you to get your driver's license. This only applies if your symptoms are having an ongoing and significant impact on your daily routine. This is something that you should discuss with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving, especially if you exhibit impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. You may have difficulty to organize your car or remember to take your medication before driving. If you are worried about this, you could decide to travel with a passenger or only drive when you'll be the only driver in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama program gave a highly biased negative perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration test, but then have to return to their GP and stand at the back of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into the private clinic. This not only discredits the NHS but also contributes to the stigma that surrounds a condition that makes many sufferers feel judged, even by their family members.