15 Reasons You Shouldn't Overlook ADHD Private Diagnosis
ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD may need to 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 revealed clinics that offer unreliable diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can provide you access to treatments and reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the disorder and how it affects the person's life. This can result in 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 believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to a specialist to be assessed. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to select the plan that lets you select your own provider.
You will then go through an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a detailed psychological test and clinical interview. It is always helpful to bring a friend or family member with you for support. After your assessment the specialist will present a clear diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when seeking an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. If you are receiving treatment, the healthcare professionals should follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD you should be told the reason. It may be that they don't think you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they believe that an alternative condition is more likely to explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is totally acceptable and shouldn't deter you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the primary reasons adults struggle to receive 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 very frustrating however it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of myths do not come from evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not be aware of what it is or how to diagnose it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or assume that the person is hiding the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD, or assume that they are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. how are adults diagnosed with adhd can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easier to miss. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment providers will require a written consent from your GP before they can 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 and then immediately batted back by GPs) on bogus 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, depending on the provider. They will also talk about the various types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications, but if it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed, your clinician will send paperwork to your GP that details the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is called a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not, you will have to continue paying 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?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are the same as those of ADHD and anxiety, therefore an expert in mental health can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and may consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards others or serious breaches of social norms and rules at home, school, or among friends.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a impairment, having the condition can make it harder for you to get your driver's licence. This is only applicable if your symptoms are having an extended and significant impact on your life. This is something that you should discuss with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. It may be difficult to organize your car or ensure that you take your medication before driving. If you're worried about this, choose to travel with a partner or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.
As you can see that the Panorama program gave a highly biased negative view of private care for ADHD assessments. Many adults have reported to us that they received an diagnosis at an private clinic with no drug 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 adds to the stigma surrounding a condition for which many sufferers feel belittled by family members.