ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might be referred by a GP to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that give unreliable diagnoses. This can put people at risk.
What happens if I don't receive an appointment?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and help reduce feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members understand the condition and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to a specialist to be assessed. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to use the plan that lets you select your preferred provider.
You will then go through an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After your assessment the specialist will be able to identify ADHD and make treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last between two and three hours.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain an appointment with the NHS. When providing care to you, the healthcare professionals should still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't determine that you have ADHD, he or she should explain why. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the main reasons that adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical professionals. They might be told that their issues are the result of not trying hard enough or that they are incompetent or negligent. This can be extremely disappointing, but it is important to remember that these types of myths do not come from evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not understand the nature of the condition or how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal or think that the person is hiding them. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or believe that they suffer from anxiety or depression disorder as a result. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to overlook. This can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This process can be complicated due to the fact that NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to, and then promptly rejected by the GPs).
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider, this can include questions about your home, work and family. They will also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be most suitable for you. The majority of doctors will suggest stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you have a diagnosis and the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how they recommend you should be treated. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Some GPs accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you will still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am given an illness but don't want to take medication?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are the same as those of ADHD and anxiety, therefore a mental health professional can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is vital, and it may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle adjustments. Children with ADHD could be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards others or serious violations of social norms and rules at school, home or in the company of peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This could make it more difficult for you to obtain your driving licence. However it is only applicable in the event that your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something you would need to discuss with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show inattention and unstable driving habits. In the end, you might find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're concerned about this, opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there is no other person in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama program provided a negative and biased view of private care for ADHD assessments. Many adults have how to get an adhd diagnosis reported to us that they were given an assessment in an private clinic with no drug adjustment. They then had to return to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS but also creates a stigma around a condition that many people believe they are judged by, even by their own family.