ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that offer incorrect diagnoses. adhd uk diagnosis could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A medical diagnosis can provide you treatment options and help reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members better comprehend the condition and how it impacts the person's daily routine. This can lead to better relationships as well as a more educated approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, you should first speak to your GP about the reason you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to a specialist to be assessed. This process will be faster if you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that allows you to choose your own provider.
The next step is a thorough psychological assessment, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological test. A family member or friend to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment the doctor will give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when you attempt to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS. When providing care to you, the healthcare professionals should remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your healthcare provider does not find that you suffer from ADHD you should be told the reason. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. They might be told that their problems are the result of not working to do enough or are negligent or lazy. This can be extremely disappointing however it is important to remember that these kinds of myths do not come from scientific evidence.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting an diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is masking them. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).
Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or think that they are suffering from anxiety or depression disorder due to it. This is particularly challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easier to overlook. This can lead to inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they will take you on for an appointment. This isn't always easy as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and later rebuffed by doctors) with bogus reasons.
The GP who evaluates you will ask you some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Depending on the provider, this can include questions about your home, work and family. They'll also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be the best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medications however if they don't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send paperwork to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements, but not all will. If your GP does not, you will have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, therefore a mental health professional can assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan that meets the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is vital and may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or serious breaches of rules and social norms 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. However, this is only if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day to day living. This is something you'll need to discuss with your doctor.
In the same way, having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving in particular in the case of 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 prior to driving. If you're worried about this, you can opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there is no other person in the car.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private care in ADHD assessments is clear. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration, and then have to go back to their GP and wait in the back of the line for an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked into a private clinic. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also contributes to the stigma that surrounds a condition that makes many sufferers feel belittled by their family members.