ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video chat.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that offer inaccurate diagnoses. This can put people at risk.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you treatment options and help reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the disorder and how it affects the life of a person. This can result in better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by an expert. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to sign up for an option that allows you to select your own provider.
The next step is a comprehensive psychotherapy evaluation, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. A family member or friend to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment an expert will identify ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last around two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when trying to get a diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with must still follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your doctor doesn't believe you have ADHD They should be able to explain why. It could be because they don't think you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they believe that other conditions better explain your behavior (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the main reasons why adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. They may be told their problems are a result of not trying to do enough or are lazy or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating However, it is important to remember that these types of stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting an diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not know what it is or how to identify it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is masking the symptoms. how do you get diagnosed with adhd in adults ADHD Diagnosis may also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health conditions such as depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can present with the same symptoms).
Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or believe that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and difficult to miss. This confusion can lead to inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a letter of recommendation from your GP to make an appointment. This can be a difficult process because NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then promptly rejected by doctors).
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, depending on the doctor. They will also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be most suitable for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first, but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
Once you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send paperwork to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors will sign these agreements, but not all will. If your GP doesn't, you will need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed but don't want to receive medication or any other treatment?
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are similar to those for ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can assist in developing the right treatment plan to meet the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and may include talk therapy or a medication. It could also include lifestyle modifications. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at home, school or in the company of peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This can make it harder for you to obtain your driving licence. However it is only applicable when your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day-to-day living. You should discuss this with your physician.
Similar to having ADHD may affect how well you drive in particular in the case of an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. In the end, you might find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you are worried about this, you could choose to travel with a passenger or only drive when you'll be the only driver in the car.
The negative image of Panorama's private health care in ADHD assessments is clear. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration, and then must go back to their GP and stand at the end of the line to undergo an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked into an private clinic. This does not just discredit the NHS but also adds to the stigma that surrounds a condition for which many sufferers are judged, even by their family members.