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An adult with ADHD may need to be referred by a GP to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person, or via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that offer incorrect diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A medical diagnosis can provide you access to treatments and reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. Having a diagnosis also helps family members know the symptoms and how do i get diagnosed with adhd it affects the daily activities of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, you should first speak to your GP about the reasons you think you may have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an evaluation with an expert. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that allows you to choose your preferred provider.
Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a detailed psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. It is a good idea to bring a friend or family member with to provide assistance. After the assessment the specialist will be able to determine the cause of ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last for about two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist for adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to get diagnosed for adhd an diagnosis through the NHS. If you are receiving treatment healthcare professionals, they must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your healthcare provider doesn't believe you have ADHD you should be told the reason. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they may believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. They might be told that their issues are the result of not working hard enough or that they are lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should be aware that these myths aren't supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to get adhd diagnosis in adults to diagnose adhd it. Some might ignore the signs or believe that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some GPs may also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).
In some instances medical professionals who are not familiar with ADHD might confuse the person's behaviour with their uncontrolled ADHD or may assume that the person suffers from anxiety or depression due to their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easy to miss. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately rejected by the GPs).
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This can include questions regarding your job, home and family life, based on the service provider. They will also discuss the different types and strengths of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications however if they don't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send a letter to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Some GPs accept these agreements but not all. If your GP does not, 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?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are similar to the symptoms of ADHD, so a mental health professional can help you develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and could include therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression towards others or severe violations of rules and social norms at school, home, or among friends.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This could make it more difficult to get your driving licence. This is only a possibility if your symptoms are having a long-term and significant impact on your daily life. You should discuss this with your doctor.
Similar to having ADHD may affect how well you perform when driving particularly when your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. You may have difficulty to arrange your car or make sure to take your medication before driving. If you're concerned about this, you can opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there is no anyone else in the vehicle.
As you can see, the Panorama program provided a negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they had received an assessment in a private clinic without any medication adjustment. They had go back to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This not only discredits the NHS but also increases the stigma surrounding a condition that makes many sufferers are belittled by their family members.