20 Things You Need To Be Educated About ADHD Private Diagnosis
ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment and help you reduce the feeling of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members better know the symptoms and how it impacts the person's daily routine. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment with an expert. This process will be quicker If you request your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your own provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychological evaluation, which consists of an in-depth interview and psychological tests. It is always helpful to bring a friend or family member with to provide assistance. After your assessment, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that could arise when trying to get an appointment with the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with should be able to adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If your doctor does not diagnose you with ADHD the doctor should explain 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 discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand them. Some doctors may tell that their issues are caused by an inability to work or that they are lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but you should keep in mind that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific research.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to diagnose it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is masking these symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the distinction between ADHD, depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or think that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder as a result. Women with ADHD can find it difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically more subtle and difficult to identify. This can lead to inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they will take you on for an appointment. This process is not 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 life and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This can include questions regarding your work, home and family, based on the doctor. They will also go over the various strengths and types of medications available to treat ADHD, and what may be best for you. The majority of doctors will recommend stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you have a diagnosis and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which that you be treated. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you'll still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed but do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are the same as the symptoms of ADHD, so an expert in mental health can assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and may consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards others, or serious violations of social norms and regulations at home, school, or among peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
As the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it harder for you to get your driver's licence. However, this is only if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something you'll need to discuss with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving particularly if your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. adult diagnosis of adhd may find it difficult to arrange your car or ensure that you take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, choose to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
The negative image of Panorama's private care in ADHD assessments is clear. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration, and they are required to go back to their GP and stand at the end of the line for an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This doesn't just discredit the NHS, it creates a stigma around the condition, which many feel they are being judged for, even by their family members.