ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by their doctor to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video call.
Panorama A BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. ADHD Diagnosis could put patients at risk.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can provide you access to treatments and reduce anxiety or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members to comprehend the condition and how it impacts a person's daily life. This can result in better relationships and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to consult with your GP and discuss why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert for an assessment. This process will be faster when 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 psychotherapy evaluation, which consists of an extensive interview and psychological test. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment the doctor will give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when you attempt to obtain an appointment with the NHS. When providing care to you, the healthcare professionals should follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't determine that you have ADHD then he or she should explain why. It may be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for this disorder, or they think other conditions better explain your traits (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals don't understand them. Some doctors might inform that their issues result from an inability to work or that they're lazy or negligent. It can be difficult, but be aware that these myths aren't supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or know how to diagnose it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or believe that the patient is masking the symptoms. Certain GPs might also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which may present with similar symptoms).
In some instances, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with their uncontrolled ADHD or will think that the person suffers from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. Women with ADHD can find it difficult to identify because their symptoms tend to be less obvious and harder to identify. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to make an appointment. This process is not always straightforward, as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to and later rebuffed by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP who assesses you will inquire about your life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your job, home, and family, depending on the service provider. They will also talk about the various types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD and which may be best for you. Most doctors will suggest stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send a letter to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a'shared-care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements however, not all of them will. If your GP doesn't, you will have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I receive a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?
A mental health professional can assist to develop a treatment program that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and could include therapy or a medication. It could also include lifestyle modifications. Children with ADHD could also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards others or serious infringements of social norms and guidelines at school, home, or among friends.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult for you to obtain your driving licence. This only applies in the event that your symptoms are having a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily life. This is something you should discuss with your doctor.
In the same way, having ADHD could affect how you drive in particular in the case of inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. In the end, you might find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you are worried about this, you can opt to travel with a passenger or only drive when you know you'll be driving on your own in the car.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private health care in ADHD assessments is apparent. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but then must go back to their GP and wait in the end of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into the private clinic. This not only discredits the NHS but also contributes to the stigma surrounding a condition for which many sufferers are belittled by family members.