ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional for an assessment. adhd diagnosis uk adults can be done in person or online through video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This can put people at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment and can aid in reducing feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members better understand the condition and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This could lead to better communication and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about the reason you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to be assessed. This process will be quicker if you ask your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your personal provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. 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 offer treatment recommendations. Your appointment should last two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to obtain a diagnose through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with must still adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your healthcare provider isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD, they should explain the reasons. It could be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for this disorder, or they believe other conditions better explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is okay 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 them. They might be told that their issues are the result of not trying to do enough or are incompetent or negligent. This can be extremely disappointing, but it is important to remember that these types of myths do not come from research-based evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition, or even how to identify it. Some might ignore the signs or think that the patient is hiding the signs. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD, or assume that they are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder as a result. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and difficult to miss. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This procedure can be difficult due to the fact that NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately rejected by the GPs).
The GP who assesses you will ask you some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your job, home, and family, depending on the provider. They will also go over the various strengths and types of medications available to treat ADHD, and what may be best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medication first but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
When you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send paperwork to your GP that outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some GPs will accept these agreements however not all will. If your GP does not, you will have to continue paying privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I receive an illness but don't want to take medication?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are similar to those of ADHD, so a mental health professional can assist in developing a treatment plan that fits the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and may include talk therapy, medicine, or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards others or serious violations of rules and social norms at school, home or with peers.
What happens if I want to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having the condition could make it more difficult to get your driver's license. However it is only applicable when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day to day living. This is something you'll need to discuss with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving in particular in the case of inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. In the end you could find you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication prior to driving. If you are concerned about this, you could choose to drive with a friend or only drive when you'll be the only driver in the car.
adhd uk diagnosis of Panorama's private healthcare in ADHD assessments is apparent. Many adults have reported to us that they had received an assessment in an private clinic with no drug titration. They then had return to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also adds to the stigma that surrounds the condition, which makes many sufferers feel belittled by family members.