ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person, or via video conference.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and decrease anxiety or self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members better comprehend the condition and how it affects the daily activities of a person. This can result in better relationships and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. This process will be faster If you request your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your own provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a detailed clinical interview and psychological testing. It is always beneficial to bring a friend or family member with you to offer assistance. After the assessment the specialist will be able to identify ADHD and make treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last for about two sessions.
A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when trying to get an appointment with the NHS. When providing care to you the healthcare professionals must 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. It may be that they don't think you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they think another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an additional opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals do not understand them. They might be told that their problems are the result of not working hard enough or that they are negligent or lazy. This can be very frustrating however it is important to keep in mind that these types of myths do not come from evidence from science.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain a diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to recognize it. Some might ignore the signs or think that the patient is hiding the signs. Some doctors may be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
In some instances, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or may think that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms tend to be subtler and more difficult to identify. This can lead to inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medicines which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This process is not always straightforward as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately batted back by GPs) with bogus reasons.
The GP who assesses you will ask some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This could include questions about your home, work and family, based on the service provider. They will also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be best for you. Most clinicians will suggest stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you have a diagnosis, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which that you be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs accept these agreements but not all. If your GP does not 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 of 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 changes. Children who suffer from ADHD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior towards other people, or serious violations of social norms and regulations at home, school or with the peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it harder for you to obtain your driver's license. However it is only applicable if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something that you'll need to discuss with your physician.
Similar to having ADHD may affect how well you perform when driving particularly in the case of an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. It may be difficult to arrange your car or ensure that you take your medication prior to driving. If you're concerned about this, you can opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
As adhddiagnosis.top can see, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but then must return to their GP and stand at the end of the line to undergo an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with the condition, which makes many sufferers are that they are judged, even by family members.