ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video calls.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't receive an appointment?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the disorder and how it impacts the life of a person. This can lead to better 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 the reasons you think you have ADHD. adhd uk diagnosis should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment by a specialist. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to select the plan that lets you choose your personal provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric examination which includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment the specialist will present an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment is expected to last for about two sessions.
A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when trying to get a diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should be able to follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor doesn't diagnose you with ADHD, he or she should explain the reason. It could be that they don't believe you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they believe that another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). This is totally acceptable and shouldn't deter you from seeking an additional opinion.
One of the most common reasons that adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is that 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 they're lazy or negligent. It can be difficult, but be aware that these myths aren't supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not know what it is or how to recognize it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is hiding the symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or will believe that the patient suffers from depression or anxiety as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easier to miss. This confusion could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medicines which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies will require a letter from your GP before they can take your appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then promptly rejected by doctors).
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the doctor it could include questions about your home, work and family. They will also go over the various types and strengths of medications available to treat ADHD and which may be best for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medications first, but if this doesn't suit you then a non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
Once you have a diagnosis, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how they recommend that you be treated. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements but not all. If your GP doesn't, you will need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am given a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to those of ADHD, so a mental health professional can assist in developing the right treatment plan to meet the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is vital, and it may include talk therapy, medicine, or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards others or serious violations of social norms and guidelines at home, school, or among the peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it more difficult for you to get your driver's licence. However, this is only in the event that your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your daily living. This is something you'll need to discuss with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. You may have difficulty to organise your car, or ensure that you take your medication before driving. If you're worried about this, you can opt to drive with a passenger or only drive when you are certain you'll be driving on your own in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama programme gave a very negative and distorted opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they were given an assessment in private clinics without medication adjustment. adult adhd diagnosis uk were then required go back to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS but also creates a stigma around the condition, which many believe they are being judged for even by their own family.