ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that give inaccurate diagnoses. This could put patients at risk.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment and can help you reduce the feeling of confusion and self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members know the symptoms and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a better understanding 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 attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment by a specialist. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to use the plan that lets you select your personal provider.
You will then go through an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After the evaluation, a specialist will diagnose ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. The appointment is expected to last around two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to get an appointment through the NHS. When delivering care to you healthcare professionals, they must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor does not find that you suffer from ADHD, they should explain the reasons. It may be that they don't think you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they think another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the most common reasons why adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical professionals. They might be told that their problems are a result of not working to do enough or are negligent or lazy. This can be extremely frustrating, but it is important to remember that these types of 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 doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or assume the person is masking the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms).
In certain instances medical professionals who are unfamiliar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with their uncontrolled 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 are often difficult to identify because their symptoms are often subtler and more difficult to recognize. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies will require a written consent from your GP before they will take the appointment. This is not always straightforward as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to and then promptly batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your job, home and family life, based on the doctor. They'll also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. In iampsychiatry.com , doctors will test stimulant medications first, but in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a nonstimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.
If you are diagnosed the doctor will send paperwork to your GP that details the diagnosis as well as the 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 does not accept these agreements, you will still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?
A mental health professional can assist develop a treatment plan that is that is tailored to the individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial, and it may include therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression toward other people or severe violations of rules and social norms at school, at home or with friends.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it more difficult to get your driving licence. However this is only the case in the event that your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your daily living. This is something that you should discuss with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance in particular if you display an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. In the end, you might find that 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 drive with someone else or only drive when there is no anyone else in the vehicle.
As you can see that the Panorama program gave a highly negative and distorted perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without drug titration, but then have to go back to their GP and stand at the end of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into the private clinic. This doesn't only discredit the NHS, it adds to the stigma of a condition that many people feel they are being judged for even by their family members.