ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might be referred by their doctor to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or online through video calls.
Panorama, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can provide you access to treatments and decrease anxiety or self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members to comprehend 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 the reasons you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment with a specialist. This process will be faster when you ask your GP to sign up for a plan that lets you choose your own provider.
The next step is a comprehensive psychotherapy evaluation, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological tests. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After your assessment the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that could arise when seeking an appointment with the NHS. When providing care to you healthcare professionals, they 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 could be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they think another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. They might be told that their problems are a result of not trying hard enough or that they are negligent or lazy. This can be very frustrating However, it is important to remember that these stereotypes are not based on evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting a diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or know how to identify it. adhd diagnosis uk adults may dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is hiding them. Certain GPs might also be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which may present with similar symptoms).
In some cases medical professionals who are not familiar with ADHD might confuse the person's behavior with their uncontrolled ADHD or will believe that the patient is suffering from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to miss. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that aren't effective.
Certain private assessment providers will require a written consent from your GP before they can take the appointment. This can be a difficult process due to the fact that NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to, and then immediately rejected by doctors).
The GP who assesses you will inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This may include questions about your home, work and family, based on the doctor. They will also discuss the various strengths and types of medication that are available to treat ADHD, and what may be the best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first. However, if this doesn't suit you then a non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
When you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send a letter to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed but do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are the same as the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, therefore a mental health professional can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or medicine. It could also include lifestyle changes. 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 I want drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder for you to obtain your driving license. This only applies when your symptoms have a a long-term and significant impact on your life. This is something you would need to discuss with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving, especially if you exhibit impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. As a result you could find you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take your medication prior to driving. If you are worried about this, you could choose to drive with a passenger or only drive when you are certain you'll be the only driver in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama program provided a biased negative view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration, and they are required to go back to their GP and stand at the back of the line for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into the private clinic. This not only discredits the NHS but also adds to the stigma associated with the condition, which makes many people feel judged, even by their family members.