7 Things About ADHD Private Diagnosis You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and aid in reducing feelings of self-doubt and confusion. The diagnosis can help family members understand the condition and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can lead to stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to be assessed. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to use a scheme that lets you choose your personal provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation, which consists of an in-depth interview and psychological tests. It is always beneficial to bring a friend or family member with to provide assistance. After the assessment an expert will determine the cause of ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last around two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when trying to get an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. When providing care to you, the healthcare professionals should still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor is unable to identify you as having ADHD the doctor should explain the reason. adhd in adults diagnosis could be because they don't believe you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they believe that an alternative condition is more likely to explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is fine and should not discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
One of the most common reasons why adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical professionals. They might be told that their problems are the result of not working hard enough or are incompetent or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should keep in mind that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific research.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to recognize it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or assume the person is masking the symptoms. Some GPs may also be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may mistake the person's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD, or assume that they suffer from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. Women suffering from ADHD may be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically subtler and more difficult to detect. This confusion could lead to a mistreatment of symptoms with antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This is not always easy as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then immediately batted back by GPs) on spurious grounds.
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your job, home, and family, depending on the service provider. They'll also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be most suitable for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medication first but should this not work for you then a non-stimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.
If you are diagnosed the doctor will send a letter to your GP which outlines the diagnosis as well as 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, you will have to continue paying privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but do not want to receive medication or any 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 essential and may involve talk therapy or a medication. It could also involve lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern 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 you decide to drive?
As the DVLA considers ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it harder for you to obtain your driver's license. However this is only the case if your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something you would need to discuss with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance, especially if you exhibit an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. As a result, you might find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication prior to driving. If you're concerned about this, opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there is no anyone else in the vehicle.
The negative image of Panorama's private health care in ADHD assessments is clear. Many adults have reported to us that they were given an assessment in an private clinic with no medication adjustment. They were then required to return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS, it adds to the stigma of an illness that many think they are being judged for even by their own family.