ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by their doctor to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video calls.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment and can help you reduce the feeling of anxiety and self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members comprehend the condition and how it affects the daily activities of a person. This could lead to better communication and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about the reason you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to a specialist to be assessed. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to use an option that lets you choose your own provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological tests. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After your assessment the specialist will present an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions.
A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when trying to get a diagnosis 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 doesn't diagnose you with ADHD the doctor should 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 fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the primary reasons adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. They may be told that their problems are a result of not trying hard enough or that they are incompetent or negligent. This can be very frustrating however it is important to remember that these stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to identify it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal or think that the person is masking the symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who aren't familiar with ADHD might confuse the person's behaviour with their uncontrolled ADHD or will think that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easier to miss. adhd diagnosis uk adults can lead to inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medicines that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies will require a referral from your GP before they can take you on for an appointment. This process is not always straightforward as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately batted back by GPs) on bogus grounds.
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This may include questions about your job, home, and family, depending on the doctor. They will also go over the different types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD and which may be most suitable for you. The majority of doctors will suggest stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
When you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send a letter to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs will accept these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to those for ADHD, so an expert in mental health can assist in developing the right treatment plan to meet the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or a medication. It could also involve lifestyle changes. Children with 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 school, home, or among friends.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
As the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having the condition can make it more difficult for you to get your driver's licence. However it is only applicable in the event that your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your daily living. This is something that you should discuss with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance in particular if you display inattention and unstable driving habits. As a result you may find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication prior to driving. If you're concerned about this, choose to drive with someone else or only drive when there is no anyone else in the vehicle.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private health care in ADHD assessments is apparent. Many adults have told us that they were given an diagnosis at private clinics without medication titration. They had go back to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just discredit the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with the condition, which many believe they are judged by, even by their own family.