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ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by their doctor to a private healthcare specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or via video chat.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that offer incorrect diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the disorder and how it impacts the person's life. This could lead to better communication and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK You should first speak to your GP about why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an assessment by a specialist. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to sign up for an option that lets you select your own provider.
Then, you will undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a detailed psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment an expert will identify ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. Your appointment should last two sessions.
A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when trying to get an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should be able to follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your healthcare provider isn't able to determine that you have ADHD, they should explain the reasons. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly fine and shouldn't stop you from seeking an additional opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals misunderstand them. They may be told that their problems are a result of not trying to do enough or are incompetent or negligent. It can be frustrating, but keep in mind that these myths aren't supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain a diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to identify it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or assume the person is hiding the signs. Some doctors may be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may mistake the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or believe that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder as a result. Women with ADHD may be difficult to recognize because their symptoms are typically less obvious and harder to detect. This could lead to a mistreatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to make an appointment. This is not always easy as NHS GPs can 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 examines you will ask some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This may include questions about your job, home and family life, based on the service provider. They will also talk about the various strengths and types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medications first. However, in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a nonstimulant drug like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
When you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send paperwork 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. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you'll still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I receive a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A mental health professional can develop a treatment plan that is that is tailored to the individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial, and it may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at school, at home or in the company of friends.
What happens if you decide to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it harder for you to get your driver's licence. This is only a possibility in the event that your symptoms are having a an ongoing and significant impact on your life. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving in particular if you display an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. You may find it difficult to organise your car, or ensure that you take your medication before driving. If you are concerned about here this, you may decide to drive with a friend or only drive when you will be alone in the car.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is clear. Many adults have reported to us that they were given a diagnosis in private clinics without medication titration. They then had return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS and creates a stigma around a condition that many people believe they are judged by, even by their family members.