ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person, or via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that provide incorrect diagnoses. This can put people at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment?
A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment options and aid in reducing feelings of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the condition, and how it impacts the person's life. This can result in stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK In the UK, first talk to your GP about the reasons you think you may have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment with an expert. This process will be faster when you ask your GP to sign up for a plan that allows you to choose your own provider.
You will then undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment which includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After your evaluation the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to get a diagnose through the NHS. When delivering care to you the healthcare professionals must follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor does not determine that you have ADHD, he or she should explain the reason. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they may believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking an additional opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals do not understand their symptoms. Some doctors might inform them that their troubles result from an inability to work or that they're lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should remember that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not be aware of what it is or how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or assume that the person is masking the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the distinction between ADHD depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may mistake the person's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD or believe that they are suffering from anxiety or depression disorder as a result. Women with ADHD may be difficult to identify because their symptoms are typically subtler and more difficult to identify. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.
Certain private assessment providers will require a referral from your GP before they will bring the appointment. This process is not always straightforward, as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then promptly batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your job, home and family, based on the service provider. They will also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be the best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medications, but if it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send a letter to your GP that details the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors will sign these agreements however, not all will. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you'll still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get an illness but don't want to take medication?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to those for ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can help develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is vital and may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression towards others or severe violations of rules and social norms at school, at home or with friends.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This can make it more difficult for you to obtain your driving licence. This is only applicable in the event that your symptoms are having a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily routine. It is recommended to discuss this with diagnosis of adhd your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show inattention and unstable driving habits. It may be difficult to organise your car, or remember to take your medication prior to driving. If you are worried about this, you may opt to drive with a friend or only drive when you'll be driving on your own in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama program gave a highly biased negative opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have reported to us that they received an diagnosis at a private clinic without any medication titration. They then had return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS and adds to the stigma of a condition that many people think they are being judged for, even by their family members.