ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This could put patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members to understand the condition and how it affects a person's daily life. This could lead to better communication and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK You should first talk to your GP about the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment by a specialist. This process will be quicker if you ask your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your own provider.
You will then undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a thorough psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. It is always helpful to bring a family member with you to offer support. After your assessment an expert will determine the cause of ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last for about two sessions.
A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS. If you are receiving treatment healthcare professionals, they must remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD They should be able to explain the reason. It could be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for the disorder, or they believe an alternative condition is more likely to explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is totally acceptable and shouldn't stop you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the main reasons adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. They may be told that their issues are the result of not working to do enough or are lazy or negligent. This can be very frustrating however it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of myths do not come from research-based evidence.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to identify it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or think that the person is hiding the symptoms. Some GPs may also be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can present with the same symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or will think that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to miss. This confusion could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies will require a letter from your GP before they will take your appointment. This isn't always easy as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then promptly batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your job, home and family, based on the provider. They will also discuss the various strengths and types of medications available to treat ADHD and which may be best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first, but in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
If you are diagnosed the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and the way in which that you be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors will accept these agreements however not all of them. If your GP doesn't, you will have to continue paying privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but don't want to undergo medication or another treatment?
A mental health professional can help develop a treatment plan that is that is tailored to the individual's needs. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or medication. It could also involve lifestyle modifications. Children who suffer from ADHD may be diagnosed with adhd in adults undiagnosed 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 peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult for you to get your driver's licence. However, this is only if your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. You would need to discuss this with your doctor.
Similar to having ADHD may affect how well you perform when driving in particular when your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. In the end you may find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you are worried about this, you may opt to drive with a friend or only drive when you'll be driving on your own in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but they are required to go back to their GP and wait at the back of the queue to undergo an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked into an private clinic. This doesn't just discredit the NHS but also creates a stigma around the condition, which many believe they are being judged for even by their family members.