ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD might be referred by their GP to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or by video chat.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This could put patients at risk.
What happens if how to get an adult adhd diagnosis don't get an answer to my question?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment options and aid in reducing feelings of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can help family members understand the condition, and how it impacts the life of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. This process will be faster if you ask your GP to use a scheme that lets you choose your preferred provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric examination which includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. Bringing a family member along is always beneficial. After the evaluation an expert will identify ADHD and make treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to get a diagnose through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should still adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor does not find that you suffer from ADHD, they should explain why. It may be that they don't believe that you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they think another condition better explains your behavior (symptoms). This is totally acceptable and shouldn't stop you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. They may be told their issues are the result of not trying to do enough or are negligent or lazy. It can be difficult, but keep in mind that these stereotypes aren't supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to identify it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or assume that the person is hiding these symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or assume that the person suffers from anxiety or depression due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD can find it difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically less obvious and harder to detect. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment companies will require a written consent from your GP before they will take you on for an appointment. This isn't always straightforward as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then promptly batted back by doctors) on spurious grounds.
The GP who assesses you will ask some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Depending on the provider the questions could be about your work, home and family. They will also talk about the various types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD and which may be best for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medication first but if this doesn't suit you then a non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
When you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send you a document to your GP that outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors will sign these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP does not, you will have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed but don't want to take medication or other treatment?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are the same as the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, therefore a mental health professional can assist in developing a treatment plan that fits the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is vital and could include talk therapy, medicine, or lifestyle changes. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression toward other people or serious violations of rules and social norms at school, at home or with peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it more difficult to get your driver's license. However, this is only if your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. You should discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving, especially if you exhibit impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. In the end you may find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no one else in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private health care in ADHD assessments is apparent. Many adults have told us that they had received a diagnosis in a private clinic without any drug adjustment. They had to return to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with the condition, which many believe they are being judged for even by their own family.