ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by a GP to a private healthcare professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that provide incorrect diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
A medical diagnosis can provide you access to treatments and decrease anxiety or self-doubt. A add diagnosis in adults can also help family members better know the symptoms and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert to conduct an assessment. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to sign up for an option that lets you choose your own provider.
The next step is a thorough psychological evaluation, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological test. It is a good idea to bring a family member with you to offer support. After the assessment, the specialist will provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when seeking an appointment with the NHS. When delivering care to you 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 have ADHD you should be told why. You might not meet the add diagnostic criteria adults for ADHD, or they may think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is okay and should not discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals do not understand their symptoms. Some doctors may tell them that their problems result from a lack of effort or they're lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but you should be aware that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if i think i have adhd how do i get diagnosed disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain a diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to get an adhd diagnosis as an adult to identify it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is masking the symptoms. Certain GPs might be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which may present with similar symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as a sign of untreated adhd adults diagnosis, or assume that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. Women with ADHD can find it difficult to diagnose because their symptoms tend to be more subtle and difficult to detect. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to set up an appointment. This isn't always easy as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then promptly batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP who assesses you will be looking to inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the doctor the questions could be about your home, work and family. They will also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be the best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first. However, should this not work for you then a non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
If you are diagnosed, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and how you should be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs will accept these agreements however not all will. If your GP doesn't, you will need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I receive an illness but don't want to take medication?
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 it may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression towards other people or serious breaches of rules and social norms at school, at home or in the company of peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult to get your driving license. This is only applicable when your symptoms have a a long-term and significant impact on your daily life. You should discuss this with your doctor.
Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you perform when driving in particular 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 worried about this, opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
The negative image of Panorama's private health care in ADHD assessments is apparent. Many adults have reported to us that they received an assessment in a private clinic without any medication adjustment. They had to return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS, it creates a stigma around the condition, which many feel they are judged by, even by their own family.