The Main Issue With ADHD Private Diagnosis, And How You Can Solve It
ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This could put 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 confusion and self-doubt. adhd diagnosing can also help family members understand the symptoms and how it impacts the person's life. This could lead to better communication and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to conduct an assessment. This process will be more efficient if you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme which allows you to select your own provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation, which consists of an extensive interview and psychological test. It is always helpful to bring a family member along with to provide assistance. After your assessment, a specialist will identify ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. The appointment is expected to last between two and three hours.
Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when you attempt to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS. If you are receiving treatment the healthcare professionals must follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor is unable to diagnose you with ADHD then he or she should explain the reason. It may be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for this disorder, or they think other conditions better explain your behavior (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the most common reasons that adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. Some doctors might inform that their issues are caused by the lack of effort or that they are lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but you should remember that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to identify it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is masking the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the distinction between ADHD depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).
In some cases medical professionals who are unfamiliar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with that of their uncontrolled ADHD or may assume that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. Women suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to recognize because their symptoms are often subtler and more difficult to recognize. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment providers will require a referral from your GP before they will take the appointment. This can be a difficult process because NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then rejected by the GPs).
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. Based on the provider it could include questions about your home, work and family. They will also talk about the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be most suitable for you. Most clinicians will suggest stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you've been diagnosed the doctor will write to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which that you be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors will accept these agreements, but not all of them will. If your GP doesn't, you will need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are the same as those for ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is vital and could consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression towards others or severe violations of rules and social norms at school, at home or with friends.
What happens if I want drive?
As the DVLA considers ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it more difficult to get your driver's licence. However it is only applicable when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. This is something that you'll need to discuss with your physician.
Similar to having ADHD may affect how well you drive, especially if your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. You may find it difficult to organize your car or ensure that you take your medication prior to driving. If you're concerned about this, choose to travel with a partner or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
The negative image of Panorama's private health care in ADHD assessments is clear. Many adults have reported to us that they received an assessment in private clinics without medication adjustment. 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 associated with the condition, which makes many sufferers feel belittled by their family members.