ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by a GP to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or via video chat.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that give incorrect diagnoses. This can put people at risk.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment options and help reduce feelings of anxiety 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 stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK In the UK, first speak to your GP about the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment by an expert. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select a plan that lets you choose your own provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a detailed psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the evaluation the specialist will be able to diagnose ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with must still adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If your doctor is unable to diagnose you with ADHD then he or she must explain why. It could be that they don't think you meet their criteria for the disorder, or they believe another condition better explains your behavior (symptoms). This is fine and should not discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals do not understand their symptoms. They may be told that their issues are the result of not trying to do enough or are lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should remember that these myths aren't supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain a diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to identify it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is hiding these symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or think that they suffer from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easier to miss. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
iampsychiatry.com require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This procedure can be difficult as NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then rejected by GPs).
The GP who assesses you will inquire about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Depending on the doctor it could include questions about your home, work and family. They'll also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. The majority of doctors will recommend stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
When you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send you a document to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors will sign these agreements however, not all of them will. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you will still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed but do not want to take medication or other treatment?
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 may include talk therapy, medicine, or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards other people or serious violations of social norms and guidelines at home, school or in the company of the peers.
What happens if I want drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a impairment, having the condition can make it more difficult to get your driver's licence. This is only applicable when your symptoms have a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily routine. You should discuss this with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you perform when driving particularly if your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. You may find it difficult to organise your car, or make sure to take your medication before driving. If you are concerned about this, you may decide to travel with a passenger or only drive when you are certain you'll be driving on your own in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private care in ADHD assessments is clear. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but they are required to return to their GP and wait in the end of the line for an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked' in to an private clinic. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS, it adds to the stigma of a condition that many people think they are judged by even by their own family.