ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video calls.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and decrease anxiety or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the condition, and how it affects the life of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK In the UK, first speak to your GP about why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. This process will be quicker If you request your GP to sign up for a plan which allows you to select your preferred provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a detailed clinical interview and psychological testing. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After the evaluation an expert will determine the cause of ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last around two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should still follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your healthcare provider does not find that you have ADHD, they should explain why. It could be that they don't believe you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they believe that another condition better explains your behavior (symptoms). This is okay and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the main reasons adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical professionals. Some doctors may tell that their issues are due to an inability to work or that they are lazy or negligent. This can be extremely disappointing, but it is important to keep in mind that these stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD are unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition, or even how to recognize it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or believe that the patient is concealing the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
In some instances medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behaviour with their unmanaged ADHD or will believe that the patient suffers from anxiety or depression as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. Women suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to recognize because their symptoms are often subtler and more difficult to detect. This confusion could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies will require a written consent from your GP before they will bring the appointment. This procedure can be difficult because NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately rejected by GPs).
The GP will ask you questions about your life and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the doctor the questions could be about your home, work and family. ADHD Diagnosis will also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be the best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
When you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send you a document to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors will sign these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP does not, you'll need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to those for ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and could include talk therapy, medicine, or 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 serious breaches of social norms and rules at school, home or in the company of peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it more difficult to get your driver's licence. However it is only applicable if your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day to day living. This is something that you would need to discuss with your physician.
In the same way, having ADHD may affect how well you drive particularly when your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. As a result you could find you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication prior to driving. If you are concerned about this, you could choose to drive with a friend or only drive when you know you will be alone in the car.
The negative image of Panorama's private care in ADHD assessments is clear. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration, and then have to return to their GP and wait in the end of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked into an private clinic. This doesn't only discredit the NHS and adds to the stigma of an illness that many think they are being judged for even by their own family.