ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor 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 offer inaccurate diagnoses. This could put patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A medical diagnosis can provide you access to treatments and reduce anxiety or self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members know the symptoms and how it affects a person's daily life. This can result in better relationships and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about the reasons you think you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to an expert to conduct an assessment. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to use a plan that lets you select your personal provider.
The next step is a thorough psychiatric assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. It is always beneficial to bring a family member with you for assistance. After your evaluation, the specialist will provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
adult adhd diagnosis in adhd can assist you in avoiding the pitfalls of trying to get a diagnose through the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with should still follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor does not diagnose you with ADHD the doctor should explain why. It could be because they don't think you meet the criteria for this disorder, or they believe that other conditions better explain your traits (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and should not discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
One of the most common reasons that adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical experts. They might be told that their problems are a result of not trying to do enough or are lazy or negligent. This can be extremely disappointing however it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to recognize it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or think that the patient is hiding the signs. Some doctors are confused about the difference 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 uncontrolled ADHD or think that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may be difficult to identify because their symptoms are often subtler and more difficult to identify. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.
Certain private assessment providers will require a referral from your GP before they will take your appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately rejected by the GPs).
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life and how ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the doctor the questions could be about your work, home and family. They'll also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be the best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medications but if they find it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
When you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send you a document to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors will accept these agreements, but not all of them. If your GP does not, you will be required to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get an illness but don't want to take medication?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can help you develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD could be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards others, or serious violations of social norms and rules at home, school or in the company of friends.
What happens if I want drive?
As the DVLA considers ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult for you to get your driver's license. However, this is only in the event that your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day-to-day living. You should discuss this with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD may affect how well you drive in particular in the case of impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. You may have difficulty to arrange your car or remember to take your medication prior to driving. If you are worried about this, you may decide to travel with a passenger or only drive when you'll be driving on your own in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama programme gave a very negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they had received an assessment in an private clinic with no drug adjustment. They were then required return to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also increases the stigma that surrounds a condition that makes many sufferers are judged, even by family members.