14 Common Misconceptions Concerning ADHD Private Diagnosis
ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by a GP to a private health specialist for an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that offer inaccurate diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and aid in reducing feelings of confusion and self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members understand the condition and how it affects the person's daily routine. This can lead to better relationships and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reason you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to an expert to be assessed. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to sign up for an option that lets you select your preferred provider.
The next step is a thorough psychological evaluation, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological test. A family member or friend to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment the doctor will give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
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. When providing care to you the healthcare professionals must follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't determine that you have ADHD the doctor should explain why. It could be because they don't believe that you meet the criteria for the disorder, or they believe that another condition better explains your behavior (symptoms). This is fine and should not discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals do not understand their symptoms. They may be told that their problems are the result of not working hard enough or that they are lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but remember that these myths aren't supported by scientific research.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to identify it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or believe that the patient is hiding the signs. Certain GPs might also be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may mistake the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or think that they suffer from anxiety or depression disorder as a result. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to overlook. This confusion could lead to a mistreatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies will require a written consent from your GP before they can take you on for an appointment. This is not always straightforward, as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and later rebuffed by GPs) on spurious grounds.
The GP who examines you will be looking to ask some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the provider the questions could be about your work, home and family. They will also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first, but if this doesn't suit you then a nonstimulant drug such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
If you are diagnosed the doctor will send paperwork to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors will accept these agreements, but not all of them will. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you'll still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to take medication or other treatment?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are similar to those for ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can help develop the right treatment plan to meet the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial, and it may include therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. Children with ADHD may also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. provate adhd diagnosis ADHD Diagnosis is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards other people, or serious violations of social norms and rules at home, school, or among the peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This can make it harder for you to obtain your driving license. This only applies when your symptoms have a a long-term and significant impact on your life. This is something that you would need to discuss with your doctor.
In the same way, having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving in particular when your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. In the end you could find you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before getting behind the wheel. If you're concerned about this, choose to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no one else in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama program gave a highly biased negative view of private care for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they had received an diagnosis at an private clinic with no medication titration. They then had to return to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This does not just discredit the NHS but also contributes to the stigma associated with a condition for which many people feel that they are judged, even by their family members.