Is Technology Making ADHD Private Diagnosis Better Or Worse?
ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can provide you access to treatments and decrease feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members know the symptoms and how it affects the person's daily routine. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an evaluation with a specialist. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select the plan that allows you to select your preferred provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation, which consists of an in-depth interview and psychological tests. Bringing a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the evaluation, a specialist will determine the cause of ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last between two and three hours.
Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when trying to get a diagnosis through the NHS. When delivering care to you, the healthcare professionals should still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't believe you have ADHD you should be told why. It may be that they don't believe you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they think other conditions better explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. They may be told that their issues are the result of not trying hard enough or are lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should keep in mind that these myths aren't supported by scientific research.
What happens if I don't agree?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to diagnose it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or think that the patient is concealing the symptoms. get adhd diagnosis adhddiagnosis are also confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may mistake the person's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD or believe that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to overlook. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines 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 isn't always easy as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then immediately batted back by GPs) on spurious grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider it could include questions about your home, work and family. They will also discuss the various strengths and types of medication that are available to treat ADHD, and what may be most suitable for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medication first but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
Once you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send paperwork to your GP that details the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some GPs will accept these agreements however, not all will. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you will still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens 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 the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or medication. It may also require lifestyle adjustments. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards others or serious breaches of rules and social norms at home, school, or among peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
Since the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it more difficult for you to get your driver's licence. This only applies when your symptoms have a an ongoing and significant impact on your life. You should discuss this with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance in particular if you display inattention and unstable driving habits. You may have difficulty to organize your car or make sure to take your medication prior to driving. If you are concerned about this, you could decide to drive with a passenger or only drive when you know you will be alone in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they received an diagnosis at a private clinic without any medication titration. They then had return to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This not only discredits the NHS but also adds to the stigma associated with the condition, which makes many sufferers feel belittled by their family members.