ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video call.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This could put patients at risk.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can provide you treatment options and help reduce anxiety or self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members understand the condition and how it affects the person's daily routine. This can lead to better relationships as well as a more educated approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK You should first talk to your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an evaluation with a specialist. This process will be quicker if you ask your GP to sign up for a plan that lets you choose your own provider.
Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a detailed psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your evaluation the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS. When delivering care to you, the healthcare professionals should remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your healthcare provider doesn't believe you suffer from ADHD, they should explain the reasons. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an additional opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand them. They might be told that their issues are the result of not working to do enough or are negligent or lazy. This can be very frustrating however it is important to remember that these types of stereotypes are not based on evidence from science.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to diagnose it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or assume the person is masking the symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the distinction between ADHD depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
In certain instances medical professionals who are unfamiliar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or may assume that the person is suffering from anxiety or depression because of their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easier to miss. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medicines which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This is not always straightforward, as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to and then immediately batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Based on the provider it could include questions about your home, work and family. They will also talk about the various types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD and which may be the best for you. Most doctors will suggest stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed your doctor will then send paperwork to your GP that details the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?
A mental health professional can assist develop a treatment plan that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is essential, and it may include therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or serious breaches of social norms and rules at school, home, or among friends.
What happens if you decide to drive?
As the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having the condition can make it more difficult to get your driver's license. However it is only applicable when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day to day living. This is something you would need to discuss with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance, especially if you exhibit an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. diagnosis adhd may be difficult to organize your car or make sure to take your medication prior to driving. If you're concerned about this, opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama program gave a highly biased negative view of private care for ADHD assessments. Many adults have reported to us that they had received an diagnosis at a private clinic without any drug titration. They then had return to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This does not just discredit the NHS but also contributes to the stigma that surrounds the condition, which makes many people feel belittled by their family members.