ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by their doctor to a private health specialist 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 offer a faulty diagnosis. This could put patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and aid in reducing feelings of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the symptoms and how it affects the life of a person. This can lead to stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert to be assessed. This process will be faster If you request your GP to refer you to a scheme which allows you to select your personal provider.
You will then go through a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a detailed clinical interview and psychological testing. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment, a specialist will diagnose ADHD and make treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last between two and three hours.
A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when trying to get an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. If you are receiving treatment the healthcare professionals must remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor does not diagnose you with ADHD, he or she should explain why. It could be that they don't believe that you meet their criteria for the disorder, or they believe 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 adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical professionals. They might be told that their problems are the result of not trying hard enough or are negligent or lazy. This can be extremely frustrating however it is important to remember that these stereotypes are not based on evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not be aware of what it is or how to identify it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or believe that the patient is hiding the signs. Some doctors may also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
In certain instances medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with that of their uncontrolled ADHD or may think that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD are often difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically less obvious and harder to recognize. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This isn't always straightforward as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and later rebuffed by doctors) with bogus reasons.
The GP who evaluates you will want to ask some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Based on the provider the questions could be about your work, home and family. They will also go over the various strengths and types of drugs available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. The majority of doctors will recommend stimulant medications but if they find it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you have a diagnosis the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and how they recommend that you be treated. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement'. Some GPs accept these agreements, but not all. If getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult GP doesn't, you will need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?
A mental health professional can help develop a treatment plan that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and may include talk therapy or medicine. It may also require lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression towards other people or serious violations of rules and social norms at home, school or with peers.
What happens if I want drive?
As the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having the condition can make it more difficult for you to get your driver's license. This only applies in the event that your symptoms are having a an extended and significant impact on your life. This is something you would need to discuss with your doctor.
In the same way, having ADHD may affect how well you perform when driving in particular if your symptoms include 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 choose to travel with a passenger or only drive when you'll be the only driver in the car.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is evident. Many adults have reported to us that they had received a diagnosis in a private clinic without any medication titration. They were then required to return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This not only discredits the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with the condition, which makes many people feel judged, even by their family members.