ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may refer an adult with ADHD to a private health professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This could put 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 self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can help family members understand the condition, and how it impacts a person's life. This can lead to stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK You should first talk to your GP about why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to be assessed. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to select an option that lets you choose your preferred provider.
Then, you will undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a detailed psychological test and clinical interview. It is always beneficial to bring a friend or family member with you for assistance. After the assessment the specialist will be able to determine the cause of ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. diagnosing adhd in adults should last for two sessions.
A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that could arise when you attempt to obtain an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with must still follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your healthcare provider does not find that you suffer from ADHD, they should explain the reason. It could be that they don't think you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they think another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). This is okay and should not discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the main reasons why adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. They may be told their problems are a result of not working hard enough or that they are incompetent or negligent. This can be very frustrating, but it is important to keep in mind that these types of stereotypes are not based on evidence from science.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to identify it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is masking them. Some GPs may be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health conditions such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which may present with similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who aren't familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behaviour with their uncontrolled ADHD or will think that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and difficult to miss. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This isn't always straightforward, as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and later rebuffed by GPs) on spurious grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your job, home and family life, based on the service provider. They will also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. The majority of doctors will suggest stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
When you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send you a document to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors will sign these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I receive a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A mental health professional can help create a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual's needs. 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 aggressive behavior towards other people or serious infringements of social norms and guidelines at school, home, or among friends.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult for you to obtain your driving license. This only applies if your symptoms are having an extended and significant impact on your daily routine. You should discuss this with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving in particular if you display an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. As a result, you might find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before getting behind the wheel. If you are concerned about this, you may choose to drive with a friend or only drive when you know you'll be driving on your own in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama program provided a biased negative perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they were given an assessment in a private clinic without any drug adjustment. They then had go back to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just discredit the NHS and increases the stigma associated with the condition, which many believe they are being judged for even by their own family.