ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by their GP to a private health specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or via video chat.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that give unreliable diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
A medical diagnosis can provide you treatment options and help reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the disorder and how it impacts the person's life. This can lead to better relationships and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK You should first speak to your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an evaluation with an expert. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to use an option that lets you choose your preferred provider.
The next step is a thorough psychological assessment, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological tests. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment the specialist will be able to diagnose ADHD and make treatment recommendations. Your appointment should last two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist for adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to get an appointment through the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with should be able to adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If your doctor is unable to determine that you have ADHD the doctor must explain why. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and should not discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. They might be told that their problems are the result of not trying hard enough or that they are negligent or lazy. This can be extremely disappointing However, it is important to keep in mind that these stereotypes are not based on research-based evidence.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to receive a diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to identify it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is masking these symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or think that they suffer from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easy to overlook. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment providers will require a referral from your GP before they will take you on for an appointment. This procedure can be difficult as NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then rejected by the GPs).
The GP who assesses you will want to inquire about your life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the doctor the questions could be about your work, home and family. They will also talk about the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be best for you. Most doctors will suggest stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If how to get diagnosed with adult adhd are diagnosed and the doctor will write to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and how they recommend that you be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs will accept these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP does not, you'll be required to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I receive a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A mental health professional can assist develop a treatment plan that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is vital and may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or severe violations 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 this condition can make it harder for you to get your driver's license. However it is only applicable if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something you would need to discuss with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you drive, especially if your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. In the end, you might find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication prior to driving. If you're concerned about this, you can opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no one else in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama programme gave a very negative and distorted view of private care for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they had received an diagnosis at an private clinic with no medication titration. They had go back to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This does not just discredit the NHS but also increases the stigma surrounding a condition for which many sufferers are judged, even by family members.