Activity

ADHD Private Diagnosis

A doctor may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person or online through video chat.

The BBC’s Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that offer inaccurate diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.

What is the outcome if I don’t receive an answer to my question?

A medical diagnosis can provide you access to treatments and decrease feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the condition, and how it impacts the person’s life. This can result in stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK You should first talk to your GP about the reason you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an evaluation with a specialist. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme which allows you to select your own provider.

Then, you will undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. It is always beneficial to bring a friend or family member with you for support. After your assessment the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. You should expect your appointment to last for about two sessions.

A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with should still follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.

If your doctor does not find that you suffer from ADHD you should be told the reason. It could be because they don’t believe that you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they think another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn’t stop you from seeking a second opinion.

One of the main reasons why adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical experts. They may be told that their problems are a result of not trying hard enough or that they are incompetent or negligent. This can be extremely disappointing however it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of stereotypes are not based on research-based evidence.

What happens if I don’t agree with the diagnosis?

Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to obtain an diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to diagnose it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal or think that the person is hiding the symptoms. Some doctors may be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health disorders like depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).

Certain medical professionals who aren’t aware of ADHD may misinterpret the person’s behavior for their unmanaged ADHD, or assume that they suffer from depression or anxiety disorder as a result. This can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to overlook. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medicines that are not effective in treating ADHD.

Some private assessment providers will require a written consent from your GP before they will take your appointment. This isn’t always easy as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then promptly batted back by doctors) on spurious grounds.

The GP who assesses you will be looking to inquire about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. This may include questions about your work, home and family, based on the doctor. They will also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medications first. However, should this not work for you then a nonstimulant drug such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.

Once adhd diagnosis uk adults receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send you a document to your GP that details the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a’shared-care agreement’. Some GPs will accept these agreements, but not all will. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you will still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I receive a diagnosis, but don’t wish to take medication?

A mental health professional can develop a treatment plan that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is vital, and it may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression toward other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at home, school or in the company of peers.

What happens if I want drive?

Since the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it more difficult for you to get your driver’s licence. This is only a possibility in the event that your symptoms are having a an extended and significant impact on your life. You should discuss this with your physician.

ADHD can also affect your driving, especially if you exhibit an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. In the end, you might find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication prior to driving. If you’re worried about this, choose to travel with someone else or only drive when there is no anyone else in the vehicle.

As you can see, the Panorama program provided a negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have reported to us that they had received an diagnosis at private clinics without drug adjustment. They had return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn’t just discredit the NHS, it adds to the stigma of an illness that many think they are judged by, even by their family members.