ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by a GP to a private health specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person, or via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that give unreliable diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A professional diagnosis can give you treatment options and help reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can help family members understand the condition, and how it affects the person's life. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss why you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to a specialist to be assessed. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to use the plan that lets you choose your own provider.
You will then go through an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. Bring a family member along is always beneficial. After your assessment the specialist will be able to determine the cause of ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. Your appointment should last two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when trying to get an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should still follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If how to get an adult adhd diagnosis doesn't believe you have ADHD They should be able to explain why. It may be that they don't believe that you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they believe that other conditions better explain your behavior (symptoms). This is okay and shouldn't deter you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals do not understand their symptoms. They might be told that their issues are the result of not trying hard enough or are negligent or lazy. This can be extremely frustrating, but it is important to remember that these stereotypes are not based on research-based evidence.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to recognize it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal or think 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 can exhibit similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behaviour with their unmanaged ADHD or may believe that the patient suffers from anxiety or depression as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD are often difficult to recognize because their symptoms are often subtler and more difficult to identify. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment providers will require a referral from your GP before they will take the appointment. This is not always straightforward as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and later rebuffed by doctors) with bogus reasons.
The GP who assesses you will be looking to ask you some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This can include questions regarding your work, home and family, based on the doctor. They will also discuss the various strengths and types of drugs available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medications first. However, should this not work for you then a non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.
Once you have a diagnosis, the clinician will write to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and how you should be treated. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP doesn't, you will need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I receive a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are similar to the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan that meets the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior towards other people, or serious violations of social norms and guidelines at home, school or with the peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult for you to obtain your driving licence. However this is only the case when your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your daily living. This is something you should discuss with your doctor.
Similar to having ADHD may affect how well you drive particularly when your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. You may have difficulty to organize your car or remember to take your medication before driving. If you're worried about this, you may choose to drive with a passenger or only drive when you know you will be alone in the car.
The negative image of Panorama's private health care in ADHD assessments is apparent. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration test, but then have to go back to their GP and wait at the back of the queue for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This does not just discredit the NHS but also adds to the stigma surrounding the condition, which makes many sufferers are judged, even by their family members.