ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD might be referred by a GP to a private health specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that provide incorrect diagnoses. This could put patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and reduce anxiety or self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the symptoms and how it impacts the life of a person. This could lead to better communication and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reason you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to an expert to be assessed. This process will be more efficient If you request your GP to use a scheme that lets you choose your own provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric examination which includes a thorough psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. It is always helpful to bring a family member with you to offer support. After your assessment the specialist will be able to identify ADHD and make treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last between two and three hours.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can assist you in avoiding the pitfalls of trying to get a diagnose 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 be able to explain why. It may be that they don't think you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they think another condition better explains your characteristics (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 misunderstand their symptoms. Certain doctors might tell that their issues result from an inability to work or they're lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but be aware that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or believe that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some doctors may also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or think that they are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. Women who suffer from ADHD can find it difficult to identify because their symptoms are typically less obvious and harder to detect. This confusion can cause 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 take your appointment. This process 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 spurious grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Based on the provider, this can include questions about your home, work and family. They will also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be the best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first, but if this doesn't suit you then a non-stimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
When you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send a letter to your GP that details the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not, you will be required to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are similar to those of ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or medicine. It could also involve 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 serious violations of rules and social norms at school, home, or among friends.
What happens if I want to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having the condition can make it harder for you to get your driver's license. This is only a possibility when your symptoms have a a long-term and significant impact on your daily life. You should discuss this with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show inattention and unstable driving habits. As a result you could find you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there is no other person in the car.
As adhd uk diagnosis can see, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration, and then must go back to their GP and stand at the back of the line for an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked into the private clinic. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also adds to the stigma associated with a condition for which many people feel judged, even by their family members.