ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might be referred by their GP to a private healthcare specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video chat.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that provide incorrect diagnoses. This could put patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and can aid in reducing feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members better comprehend the condition and how it affects the person's daily routine. 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 why you think you might have ADHD. adhd diagnosis in adult should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an evaluation with a specialist. This process will be faster when you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that allows you to choose your preferred provider.
You will then undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a thorough psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. It is always beneficial to bring a family member along with you for support. After your assessment the doctor will give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions.
A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when trying to get an appointment with the NHS. When delivering care to you, the healthcare professionals should remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor is unable to diagnose you with ADHD the doctor should explain why. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might think that another condition would better explain your 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 misunderstand their symptoms. Some doctors might inform them that their troubles are caused by a lack of effort or they're lazy or incompetent. It can be difficult, but be aware that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to diagnose it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or assume that the person is hiding them. Certain GPs might also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health disorders like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which may present with the same symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may mistake the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or believe that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to overlook. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This procedure can be difficult due to the fact that NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then rejected by doctors).
The GP who assesses you will inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. This can include questions regarding your work, home and family, based on the doctor. They will also discuss the different types and strengths of medications available to treat ADHD, and what may be best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medications however if they don't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send a letter to your GP that details the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you will still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed but don't want to take medication or other treatment?
A mental health professional can assist develop a treatment plan that is that is tailored to the individual's needs. Early treatment is vital and could include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards others or serious violations of social norms and rules at school, home, or among friends.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
Since the DVLA considers ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it harder for you to obtain your driver's license. This only applies in the event that your symptoms are having a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily routine. You should discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show inattention and unstable driving habits. In the end, you might find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you are worried about this, you could opt to travel with a passenger or only drive when you'll be the only driver in the car.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private care in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without drug titration, but they are required to return to their GP and wait at the end of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked into the private clinic. This not only discredits the NHS but also adds to the stigma associated with a condition for which many sufferers are belittled by their family members.