ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that offer inaccurate diagnoses. This can put people at risk.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment options and help you reduce the feeling of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the symptoms and how it affects the life of a person. This can result in stronger relationships as well as a more educated approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK You should first talk to your GP about why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by a specialist. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select the plan that lets you select your personal provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychotherapy assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. Bring a family member along is always beneficial. After the assessment the specialist will be able to identify ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last for about two sessions.
A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when seeking an accurate diagnosis from 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 is unable to identify you as having ADHD then he or she must explain why. It may be that they don't believe that you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they believe an alternative condition is more likely to explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the primary reasons adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical experts. Some doctors might inform them that their problems are due to the lack of effort or they're lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should be aware that these stereotypes aren't supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
adhd uk diagnosis suffering from ADHD are unable to obtain an diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to diagnose it. Some might ignore the signs or assume the person is hiding the signs. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD might confuse the person's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or will think that the person is suffering from anxiety or depression as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. Women with ADHD can find it difficult to recognize because their symptoms tend to be subtler and more difficult to identify. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment companies require a letter of recommendation from your GP to set up an appointment. This process can be complicated as NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then rejected by GPs).
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your home, work and family life, based on the provider. They will also talk about the various strengths and types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you have a diagnosis, the clinician will write to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which that you be treated. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs will accept these agreements however, not all of them. If your GP does not, you will be required to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed but do not want to take medication or other treatment?
A mental health professional can assist to develop a treatment program that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and could include therapy or medication. It may also require lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD may also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression toward other people or serious infringements of social norms and rules at school, home or with friends.
What happens if you want to drive?
As the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it harder for you to obtain your driver's license. This is only a possibility in the event that your symptoms are having a a long-term and significant impact on your daily routine. You should discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving in particular if you display an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. As a result, you might find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, choose to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is apparent. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without drug titration, but then have to return to their GP and wait at the back of the line for an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked into the private clinic. This doesn't just discredit the NHS but also adds to the stigma of the condition, which many feel they are judged for even by their own family.