14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About ADHD Private Diagnosis
ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD might be referred by their GP to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that give incorrect diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and can help reduce feelings of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the disorder and how it affects a 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 reasons you think you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment with a specialist. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to use a plan that lets you choose your preferred provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation, which consists of an in-depth interview and psychological test. A family member or friend to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment the specialist will present an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. You should expect your appointment to last between two and three hours.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when trying to get a diagnosis through the NHS. When delivering care to you healthcare professionals, they must follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor does not find that you have ADHD you should be told the reason. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is okay and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the primary reasons why adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical professionals. Some doctors might inform them that their problems result from a lack of effort or that they are lazy or negligent. This can be very frustrating, but it is important to keep in mind that these myths do not come from evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to diagnose it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal or think that the person is hiding them. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms).
In some instances, medical staff who aren't familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or will think that the person suffers from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easy to miss. This can lead to inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This isn't always easy as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and later rebuffed by GPs) on spurious grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your job, home and family life, based on the provider. They will also talk about the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medication first but in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
If you are diagnosed your doctor will then send a letter to your GP which outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements however, not all will. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you will 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?
A mental health professional can assist to develop a treatment program that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or a medication. It may also require lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards others or serious violations of social norms and rules at home, school, or among peers.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder to get your driving licence. However it is only applicable in the event that your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day to day living. You would need to discuss this with your doctor.
Similar to having ADHD may affect how well you drive, especially if your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. As adhd undiagnosed in adults , 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, opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there is no other person in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private health care in ADHD assessments is clear. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration test, but then must go back to their GP and wait at the back of the line for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS and adds to the stigma of a condition that many people believe they are judged by even by their own family.