ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or by video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that provide incorrect diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment options and aid in reducing feelings of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the condition, and how it impacts the person's life. This could lead to better communication and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK In the UK, first speak to your GP about the reasons you think you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert to be assessed. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to sign up for a plan that allows you to choose your personal provider.
Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a detailed psychological test and clinical interview. A family member or friend to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment the specialist will be able to determine the cause of ADHD and make treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last for about two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that can arise when trying to get an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should be able to adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If your doctor does not find that you have ADHD you should be told the reason. It may be that they don't believe that you meet their criteria for the disorder, or they think other conditions better explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking an additional opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand them. They may be told that their issues are the result of not trying to do enough or are negligent or lazy. This can be very frustrating However, it is important to remember that these stereotypes are not based on research-based evidence.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or how to diagnose it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or assume the person is hiding the signs. Certain GPs might also be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
In certain instances, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behaviour with their uncontrolled ADHD or may think that the person is suffering from anxiety or depression because of their unmanaged ADHD. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easier to miss. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment providers will require a referral from your GP before they can take your 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 assessment are referred, and then promptly rejected by doctors).
The GP who examines you will inquire about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the doctor it could include questions about your home, work and family. They will also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first. However, in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a nonstimulant drug like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
If you are diagnosed and the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how you should be treated. This is referred to as a'shared-care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements, but not all of them. If your GP does not, you'll be required to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to take medication or other treatment?
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are the same as those of ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can assist in developing a treatment plan that fits the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and may include therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards other people or serious infringements of social norms and guidelines at home, school or in the company of friends.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it more difficult to get your driving licence. However how to diagnosis adhd is only applicable if your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day to day living. You would need to discuss this with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving, especially if you exhibit inattention and unstable driving habits. You may find it difficult to organise your car, or ensure that you take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there is no other person in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration test, but then must return to their GP and stand at the back of the line for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked' in to an private clinic. This doesn't just discredit the NHS, it increases the stigma associated with a condition that many people think they are judged by even by their own family.