ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may refer an adult with ADHD to a private health specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person, or via video conference.
Panorama A BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This could put patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can provide you access to treatments and reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. Having a diagnosis also helps family members know the symptoms and how it affects the daily activities of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, you should first speak to your GP about why you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment by an expert. This process will be faster when you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that allows you to choose your personal provider.
The next step is a thorough psychological evaluation, which consists of an extensive interview and psychological tests. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment, a specialist will identify ADHD and make treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for two sessions.
A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when seeking an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should be able to adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your doctor doesn't determine that you have ADHD then he or she should explain the reason. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. They may be told their issues are the result of not working to do enough or are incompetent or negligent. It can be frustrating, but keep in mind that these myths aren't supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain an diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not be aware of the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or believe that the patient is concealing the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms).
Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD may mistake the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or think that they suffer from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. This can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easier to miss. This confusion could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to set up an appointment. This process is not always straightforward, as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately batted back by GPs) on bogus grounds.
The GP who assesses you will ask you some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on visit the next document , this can include questions about your work, home and family. They will also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. The majority of doctors will recommend stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed, your clinician will send you a document to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements, but not all. If your GP doesn't, you will have to continue paying privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed, but I do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are the same as the symptoms of ADHD, so a mental health professional can help you develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and may consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression toward other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at home, school or with peers.
What happens if adhd diagnosis uk adults decide to drive?
Since the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having the condition could make it harder for you to get your driver's license. However this is only the case when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something that you'll need to discuss with your doctor.
Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you drive, especially in the case of inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. You may find it difficult to organise your car, or make sure to take your medication before driving. If you're worried about this, you can opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there is no other person in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and distorted perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they were given 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 adds to the stigma that surrounds a condition that makes many people feel that they are judged, even by their family members.