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 via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that give incorrect diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment and can aid in reducing feelings of confusion and self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members better comprehend the condition and how it impacts the person's daily routine. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about why you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment with a specialist. This process will be faster if you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that allows you to choose your personal provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychological assessment, which includes an extensive interview and psychological test. It is a good idea to bring a friend or family member with to provide support. After the assessment the specialist will present an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Getting uk diagnosis adhd from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor does not identify you as having ADHD, he or she should explain the reason. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is okay and shouldn't deter you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals do not understand their symptoms. They might be told that their problems are a result of not trying to do enough or are negligent or lazy. It can be frustrating, but remember that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific research.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to receive an diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to diagnose it. Some might ignore the signs or believe that the patient is concealing the symptoms. Certain GPs might be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health disorders like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may mistake the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD, or assume that they are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder as a result. This is especially challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easier to miss. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers will require a written consent from your GP before they will bring your appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to, and then promptly rejected by the GPs).
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This may include questions about your work, home and family, based on the provider. They will also discuss the different types and strengths of medications available to treat ADHD and which may be most suitable for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first, but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
When you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send paperwork to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is called a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors accept these agreements but not all. If your GP does not, you'll have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?
A mental health professional can develop a treatment plan that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is vital and could include therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards other people or serious violations of social norms and regulations at school, home or in the company of peers.
What happens if you decide 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 extended and significant impact on your daily routine. You would need to discuss this with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you drive in particular in the case of impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. As a result you could find you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication before getting behind the wheel. If you're concerned about this, opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
The negative image of Panorama's private care in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration test, but then must go back to their GP and stand at the back of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked' in to an private clinic. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also increases the stigma that surrounds the condition, which makes many sufferers feel that they are judged, even by family members.