ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that provide incorrect diagnoses. This can put people at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment options and help you reduce the feeling of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the symptoms and how it affects a person's life. This can lead to stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment by an expert. This process will be more efficient If you request your GP to use a scheme that lets you choose your own provider.
The next step is a thorough psychotherapy evaluation, which consists of a detailed interview and psychological tests. It is always beneficial to bring a family member along with to provide support. After the assessment, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when seeking an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with must still adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your doctor isn't able to determine that you have ADHD They should be able to explain the reason. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly fine and shouldn't stop you from seeking a second 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 issues are the result of not trying hard enough or that they are negligent or lazy. It can be difficult, but remember that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to identify it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is masking these symptoms. Certain GPs might be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which may present with similar symptoms).
In certain instances, medical staff who aren't familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or will assume that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD can find it difficult to identify because their symptoms are often subtler and more difficult to recognize. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment providers will require a written consent from your GP before they can take the appointment. This process can be complicated due to the fact that NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then promptly rejected by the GPs).
The GP who examines you will inquire about your life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your home, work, and family, depending on the doctor. They will also go over the various strengths and types of medication that are available to treat ADHD, and what may be best for you. Generally, iampsychiatry.uk will try stimulant medication first but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
Once you've been diagnosed and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how that you be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement'. Some GPs accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you will still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed but don't want to receive medication or any other treatment?
A mental health professional can create a treatment plan specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is vital, and it may consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression towards others, or serious violations of social norms and regulations at home, school or in the company of peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This could make it more difficult for you to obtain your driving license. This is only applicable in the event that your symptoms are having a an extended and significant impact on your life. This is something you'll need to discuss with your doctor.
In the same way, having ADHD can affect how you drive particularly when your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. As a result you could find you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're concerned about this, choose to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. Many adults have reported to us that they had received a diagnosis in an private clinic with no drug adjustment. They had to return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This does not just discredit the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with a condition for which many people feel that they are judged, even by their family members.