ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video calls.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This could put patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
undiagnosed adult adhd adhddiagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment options and aid in reducing feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the symptoms and how it impacts a person's life. This can result in stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK You should first talk to your GP about the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an evaluation with a specialist. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to sign up for the plan that lets you choose your personal provider.
You will then undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. It is always beneficial to bring a friend or family member with you for assistance. After your assessment, a specialist will determine the cause of ADHD and make treatment recommendations. Your appointment should last two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when you attempt to obtain an appointment with the NHS. When providing care to you healthcare professionals, they must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor isn't able to determine that you have ADHD, they should explain the reason. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and should not discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the primary reasons why adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical professionals. They may be told their issues are the result of not working to do enough or are negligent or lazy. It can be frustrating, but you should remember that these myths aren't supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or believe that the patient is masking the symptoms. Certain GPs might also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which may present with similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who aren't familiar with ADHD might confuse the person's behavior with their uncontrolled ADHD or may assume that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easy to overlook. This can lead to inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This is not always straightforward as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to and later rebuffed by doctors) with bogus reasons.
The GP who evaluates you will inquire about your life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. This can include questions regarding your work, home and family, based on the service provider. They will also talk about the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. The majority of doctors will suggest stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed, your clinician will send a letter to your GP that details the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs accept these agreements but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you will still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed but don't want to take medication or other treatment?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to those of ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can help develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or serious breaches of social norms and rules at home, school or in the company of friends.
What happens if I want to drive?
As the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult for you to get your driver's license. This only applies if your symptoms are having a long-term and significant impact on your life. This is something you should discuss with your physician.
In the same way, having ADHD may affect how well you drive particularly if your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. It may be difficult to organise your car, or remember to take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, you may choose to drive with a friend or only drive when you are certain you'll be the only driver in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama program provided a negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they had received an diagnosis at a private clinic without any medication adjustment. They were then required to return to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also contributes to the stigma surrounding a condition that makes many sufferers are judged, even by family members.