ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person, or via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment and can help you reduce the feeling of anxiety and self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members better comprehend the condition and how it impacts the person's daily routine. This can result in better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK You should first speak to your GP about why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to sign up for an option that lets you select your preferred provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychotherapy evaluation, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological tests. It is always helpful to bring a family member with you to offer assistance. After your assessment the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that can arise when trying to get an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should still follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your doctor does not diagnose you with 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 totally acceptable and shouldn't deter you from seeking an additional opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals do not understand them. They may be told their problems are the result of not trying to do enough or are incompetent or negligent. This can be extremely disappointing however it is important to keep in mind that these myths do not come from evidence from science.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to diagnose it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is masking these symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the distinction between ADHD depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or think that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. Women who suffer from ADHD are often difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically less obvious and harder to recognize. This confusion can lead to inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies will require a letter from your GP before they will take you on for an appointment. This process is not always easy as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and later rebuffed by GPs) with bogus reasons.
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Based on the provider the questions could be about your work, home and family. They'll also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be best for you. Most clinicians will suggest stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you have a diagnosis and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how they recommend you should be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors will accept these agreements however, not all will. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed but do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?
how to get an adhd diagnosis adhddiagnosis can create a treatment plan specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and could include therapy or medication. It could also involve lifestyle adjustments. Children suffering from ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior toward other people or serious infringements of social norms and rules at home, school or with peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This can make it more difficult to get your driving license. However this is only the case if your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day-to-day living. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. In the end you could find you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, choose to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no one else in the car.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is clear. Many adults have told us that they had received an assessment in a private clinic without any medication adjustment. They then had to return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also increases the stigma surrounding a condition that makes many sufferers are that they are judged, even by their family members.