ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can refer an adult with ADHD to a private health 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 provide unreliable diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What happens if I don't receive an appointment?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and can help you reduce the feeling of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members comprehend the condition and how it affects the daily activities of a person. This can result in better relationships and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an evaluation with an expert. This process will be faster If you request your GP to sign up for a plan that allows you to choose your personal provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation, which includes an extensive interview and psychological test. adult adhd diagnosis uk is always helpful to bring a friend or family member with to provide assistance. After your evaluation the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment is expected to last between two and three hours.
Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when you attempt to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS. When providing care to you, the healthcare professionals should still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your healthcare provider does not find that you suffer from ADHD They should be able to explain the reasons. It may be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for this disorder, or they think another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). This is okay and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. Certain doctors might tell them that their problems are due to an inability to work or that they're lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should keep in mind that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific research.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting an diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not be aware of the nature of the condition or how to diagnose it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or think that the person is masking them. Some GPs are also confused about the distinction between ADHD depression (everyone experiences down 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 behaviour with their uncontrolled ADHD or believe that the patient suffers from anxiety or depression as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. Women suffering from ADHD may be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are often less obvious and harder to identify. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective.
Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This process is not always straightforward, as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to and then immediately batted back by GPs) on bogus grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your work, home and family life, based on the provider. They will also talk about the various strengths and types of drugs available to treat ADHD, and what may be most suitable for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first. However, if this doesn't suit you then a nonstimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.
If you are diagnosed, your clinician will send paperwork to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some doctors will accept these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you'll still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but don't want to receive medication or any other treatment?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to those for ADHD, so 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 could include therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD may also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards others or serious infringements of social norms and regulations at home, school, or among the peers.
What happens if I want to drive?
Since the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult to get your driver's license. However this is only the case when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day to day living. This is something that you'll need to discuss with your physician.
In the same way, having ADHD may affect how well you perform when driving, especially in the case of impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. You may find it difficult to organise your car, or ensure that you take your medication before driving. If you're concerned about this, you can opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there is no one else in the car.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private care in ADHD assessments is evident. Many adults have told us that they received a diagnosis in a private clinic without any medication titration. They had go back to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This does not just discredit the NHS but also adds to the stigma surrounding a condition that makes many sufferers feel judged, even by family members.