ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that give inaccurate diagnoses. This could put patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment options and help reduce feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the condition, and how it affects a person's life. This can result in stronger relationships as well as a more educated approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss why you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to a specialist to be assessed. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to use a plan that lets you select your personal provider.
You will then go through a thorough psychiatric assessment which includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. It is always helpful to bring a family member with you for support. After the assessment, a specialist will determine the cause of ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last for about two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist for adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If your doctor does not identify you as having ADHD the doctor must explain why. It may be that they don't believe that you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they believe that other conditions better explain your behavior (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 doctors or other medical professionals don't understand them. Some doctors might inform them that their problems are caused by a lack of effort or that they are lazy or negligent. This can be extremely disappointing However, it is important to remember that these kinds of stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not understand the nature of the condition or how to diagnose it. Some might ignore the signs or think that the patient is concealing the symptoms. Some GPs may also be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may mistake the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or think that they are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. This is especially challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easy to miss. This could lead to a mistreatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This is not always straightforward as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then immediately batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This can include questions regarding your work, home, and family, depending on the provider. They'll also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send you a document to your GP that outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is known as a'shared-care agreement'. adhd diagnosis uk adults will accept these agreements however, not all of them will. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you'll still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am given a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A mental health professional can create a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual's needs. Early treatment is essential, and it may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle adjustments. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or serious breaches of social norms and rules at school, home, or among peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult to get your driving licence. However it is only applicable when your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day to day living. You would need to discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. As a result you may find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take medication before getting behind the wheel. If you're concerned about this, you can opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private health care in ADHD assessments is evident. Many adults have reported to us that they received an diagnosis at a private clinic without any drug adjustment. They then had go back to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS, it creates a stigma around a condition that many people feel they are being judged for, even by their own family.