ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD might need to be referred by their doctor to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that offer inaccurate diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you treatment options and help reduce anxiety or self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members to know the symptoms and how it affects the daily activities of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK, you should first speak to your GP about the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment with a specialist. This process will be quicker when you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that lets you choose your personal provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychological evaluation, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological tests. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment, a specialist will determine the cause of ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last between two and three hours.
adhd uk diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when trying to get a diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should still adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor does not find that you suffer from ADHD, they should explain why. It could be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they think other conditions better explain your behavior (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't stop you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk might tell that their issues are caused by an inability to work or that they are lazy or negligent. It can be difficult, but keep in mind that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific research.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to receive a diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is hiding them. Certain GPs might also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD or believe that they are suffering from anxiety or depression disorder due to it. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and difficult to miss. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective.
Certain private assessment providers will require a written consent from your GP before they will take your appointment. adhd uk diagnosis can be complicated because NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then rejected by doctors).
The GP who examines you will ask you some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This could include questions about your job, home and family life, based on the doctor. They will also talk about the various types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD and which may be most suitable for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications however if they don't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed, your clinician will send you a document to your GP that details the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors accept these agreements but not all. If your GP does not, you will have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I receive a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are similar to those of ADHD, so an expert in mental health can assist in developing a treatment plan that fits the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or a medication. It could also involve lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or serious violations of social norms and rules at school, home or with peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult to get your driving license. However this is only the case in the event that your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day-to-day living. You should discuss this with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you drive particularly when your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. You may find it difficult to arrange your car or ensure that you take your medication before driving. If you are worried about this, you could opt to drive with a passenger or only drive when you know you'll be driving on your own in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama programme gave a very negative and distorted view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without drug titration, but then have to go back to their GP and wait at the back of the line for an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked' in to a private clinic. This not only discredits the NHS but also adds to the stigma that surrounds the condition, which makes many sufferers are belittled by family members.