ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video call.
Panorama A BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the disorder and how it affects the life of a person. This can result in better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to a specialist to be assessed. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to sign up for an option that lets you select your personal provider.
The next step is a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, which includes an extensive interview and psychological tests. It is a good idea to bring a family member with to provide support. After the assessment the specialist will present an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment is expected to last between two and three hours.
A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that can arise when trying to get 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 diagnosis for adhd in adults doesn't determine that you have ADHD, he or she should explain why. It may be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. They might be told that their issues 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 stereotypes are not based on research-based evidence.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to recognize it. Some might ignore the signs or assume the person is concealing 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).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD or believe that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. Women with ADHD can find it difficult to identify because their symptoms are often subtler and more difficult to recognize. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they will bring your appointment. This can be a difficult process as NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then promptly rejected by the GPs).
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider the questions could be about your work, home and family. 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 recommend stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and how you should be treated. 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, you will have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but do not want to take medication or other treatment?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are the same as the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, therefore an expert in mental health can assist in developing the right treatment plan to meet the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or a medication. It may also require lifestyle adjustments. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards others or severe violations of social norms and rules at home, school, or among peers.
What happens if I want drive?
As the DVLA considers ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult for you to obtain your driver's license. This only applies if your symptoms are having a long-term and significant impact on your daily life. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. You may find it difficult to arrange your car or ensure that you take your medication before driving. If you're worried about this, opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private care in ADHD assessments is evident. Many adults have shared with us that they had received a diagnosis in an private clinic with no drug titration. They were then required to return to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This does not just discredit the NHS but also contributes to the stigma associated with a condition that makes many people feel judged, even by family members.