The Most Significant Issue With ADHD Private Diagnosis, And How You Can Fix It
ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by a GP to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment options and help you reduce the feeling of anxiety and self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the condition, and how it impacts a person's life. This can result in better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to conduct an assessment. This process will be quicker when you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that lets you choose your own provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. It is a good idea to bring a family member with you for assistance. After your assessment, a specialist will diagnose ADHD and make treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when trying to get a diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should be able to adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your healthcare provider isn't able to determine that you have ADHD They should be able to explain the reasons. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they may think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals misunderstand them. They may be told that their problems are the result of not trying hard enough or that they are lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should keep in mind that these myths aren't supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to diagnose it. Some might ignore the signs or think that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some GPs may be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health conditions such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD, or assume that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder as a result. This is especially challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to miss. This confusion could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they will bring your appointment. This is not always easy as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to and then promptly batted back by doctors) with bogus reasons.
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This may include questions about your work, home and family life, based on the provider. They will also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Most clinicians will suggest stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how they recommend you should be treated. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors will accept these agreements however, not all of them. If your GP doesn't, you will have to continue paying privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are the same as those for ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can help develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or medicine. It could also involve lifestyle modifications. Children suffering from ADHD may also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression toward other people or serious violations of social norms and guidelines at school, home or in the company of the peers.
What happens if I want drive?
Since diagnosing adhd in adults is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it harder for you to get your driver's licence. This is only a possibility in the event that your symptoms are having a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily life. You would need to discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving, especially if you exhibit impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. In the end you could find you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're concerned about this, choose to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama program provided a biased negative view of private care for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they were given an diagnosis at a private clinic without any drug titration. They were then required to return to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS, it increases the stigma associated with an illness that many believe they are judged by even by their own family.