ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or online through video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and decrease feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the symptoms and how it impacts 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 the reason you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment by an expert. This process will be quicker If you request your GP to refer you to a scheme that allows you to choose your personal provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychotherapy evaluation, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After the assessment the specialist will present an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. You should expect your appointment to last around two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist for adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to obtain a diagnose through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should be able to follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If your doctor isn't able to determine that you have ADHD you should be told the reason. It could be because they don't think you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they think an alternative condition is more likely to explain your behavior (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the most common reasons adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical experts. Certain doctors might tell that their issues are due to the lack of effort or that they are lazy or negligent. This can be extremely disappointing however it is important to remember that these stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or how to identify it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or assume the person is masking the symptoms. Some GPs may be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may mistake the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD, or assume that they suffer from anxiety or depression disorder as a result. Women suffering from ADHD are often difficult to identify because their symptoms are typically more subtle and difficult to detect. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers will require a written consent from your GP before they can take your appointment. This process is not always easy as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then immediately batted back by GPs) on bogus adhd private diagnosis grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your life and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This may include questions about your job, home and family life, based on the doctor. They'll also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be most suitable for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first, but should this not work for you then a non-stimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
Once you have a diagnosis and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and how they recommend that you be treated. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you will still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, therefore an expert in mental health can help you develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial 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 toward other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at school, home or with friends.
What happens if I want to drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult to get your driving licence. This is only a possibility if your symptoms are having an ongoing and significant impact on your life. This is something you would need to discuss with your physician.
In the same way, having ADHD could affect how you drive particularly when your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. In the end you could find you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before getting behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, you can opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there is no other person in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and distorted view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration test, but then have to return to their GP and wait in the back of the queue to undergo an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked' in to a private clinic. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS, it adds to the stigma of an illness that many feel they are judged for, even by their family members.