ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment and help reduce feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members comprehend the condition and how it affects the daily activities of a person. This can lead to stronger relationships as well as a more educated approach to managing ADHD.
In adult adhd diagnosis uk should first talk to your GP about the reason you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment by an expert. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to use a scheme that lets you choose your own provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. It is always beneficial to bring a friend or family member with you to offer support. After your assessment the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. You should expect your appointment to last for about two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. If you are receiving treatment, the healthcare professionals should remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your healthcare provider does not find that you suffer from ADHD you should be told why. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they may consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
One of the main reasons adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical professionals. Some doctors might inform them that their troubles are due to the lack of effort or that they're lazy or incompetent. This can be extremely frustrating however it is important to remember that these stereotypes are not based on research-based evidence.
What happens if adult adhd diagnosis uk disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to receive a diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to diagnose it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is hiding them. Some GPs may also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health disorders like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can present with the same symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD or think that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. Women who suffer from ADHD are often difficult to identify because their symptoms are typically more subtle and difficult to detect. This confusion can lead to inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a letter of recommendation from your GP to set up an appointment. This can be a difficult process due to the fact that NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessment are referred, and then rejected by the GPs).
The GP will ask you questions about your life and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This may include questions about your home, work and family life, based on the doctor. They will also go over the various strengths and types of medications available to treat ADHD and which may be best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications, but if it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
When you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send you a document to your GP that details the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors will sign these agreements however not all will. If your GP does not, you will have to continue paying privately for 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 the same as the symptoms of ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may include therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. Children suffering from ADHD can be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression towards others or serious violations of social norms and guidelines at school, home or in the company of peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder to get your driving license. This only applies if your symptoms are having a long-term and significant impact on your daily routine. This is something that you would need to discuss with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving in particular if you display impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. As a result you could find you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take medication before getting behind the wheel. If you are concerned about this, you could choose to drive with a friend or only drive when you know you'll be driving on your own in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and distorted opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration test, but they are required to go back to their GP and wait at the back of the line for an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This does not just discredit the NHS but also contributes to the stigma associated with a condition for which many sufferers feel that they are judged, even by their family members.