ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might be referred by their GP to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or by video chat.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant 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 life of a person. This can lead to stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to a specialist for an assessment. This process will be faster If you request your GP to sign up for a plan that allows you to choose your preferred provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation which includes a thorough psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After your assessment the doctor will give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to obtain an appointment through the NHS. When providing care to you healthcare professionals, they must follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor is unable to determine that you have ADHD then he or she should explain why. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is fine and should not discourage you from seeking a different 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 are due to a lack of effort or that they are lazy or incompetent. This can be very frustrating, but it is important to remember that these types of stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting an diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not understand the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or think that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms).
In some instances, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with that of their uncontrolled ADHD or believe that the patient suffers from depression or anxiety as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and difficult to overlook. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment companies will require a referral from your GP before they can take you on for an 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 GPs and later rebuffed by doctors) on spurious grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This may include questions about your work, home and family life, based on the provider. They will also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be best for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medication first but in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
Once you have a diagnosis the doctor will write to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which that you be treated. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors accept these agreements but not all. If your GP does not, you will have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but don't want to take medication or other treatment?
A mental health professional can assist to develop a treatment program that is that is tailored to the individual's needs. Early treatment is vital, and it may consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression towards other people or serious breaches of rules and social norms at home, school, or among peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This can make it harder to get your driving licence. However, this is only if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your daily living. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.
In the same way, having ADHD could affect how you drive, especially if your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. It may be difficult to organize your car or make sure to take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, choose to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.
As iampsychiatry.com can see it, the Panorama programme gave a very biased negative opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they received an diagnosis at an private clinic with no medication adjustment. They then had to return to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS but also adds to the stigma of the condition, which many feel they are judged by even by their family members.