ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might be referred by their doctor to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or online through video call.
Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
A medical add diagnosis as an adult can gp diagnose adhd give you access to treatment and can help you reduce the feeling of self-doubt and confusion. The diagnosis can help family members understand the condition and how it affects a person's daily life. This can result in stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss why you think you have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by a specialist. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to use an option that lets you select your own provider.
The next step is a thorough psychotherapy assessment, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological tests. It is always helpful to bring a family member with to provide assistance. After your evaluation, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist for adhd can assist you in avoiding the pitfalls of trying to obtain an appointment through the NHS. When delivering care to you, the healthcare professionals should follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor does not identify you as having ADHD then he or she must explain why. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they might consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the most common reasons that adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical experts. They may be told their problems are the result of not trying to do enough or are incompetent or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should be aware that these stereotypes are not supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or know how to diagnose it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or think that the person is masking these symptoms. Certain GPs might be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD might confuse the person's behaviour with their unmanaged ADHD or believe that the patient is suffering from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easier to overlook. 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 process is not always easy as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and later rebuffed by doctors) with bogus reasons.
The GP who examines you will be looking to ask some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Depending on the doctor it could include questions about your work, home and family. They will also talk about the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be the best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications however if they don't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you have a diagnosis the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how is adult adhd diagnosed they recommend that you be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement'. Certain doctors accept these agreements but not all. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you'll still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed but do not want to take medication or other treatment?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are similar to the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, which is why is everyone being diagnosed with adhd a mental health professional can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or medication. It may also require lifestyle modifications. Children with adhd diagnosis statistics are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards others or serious violations of rules and social norms at school, home or in the company of peers.
What happens if I want drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult for you to obtain your driving license. This is only applicable when your symptoms have a an extended and significant impact on your life. This is something you should discuss with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. It may be difficult to arrange your car or ensure that you take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there is no one else in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they were given an diagnosis at a private clinic without any medication adjustment. They had to return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also increases the stigma that surrounds the condition, which makes many sufferers feel judged, even by family members.