Three Reasons Why 3 Reasons Why Your ADHD Private Diagnosis Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD may need to be referred by a GP to a private healthcare professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video call.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This could put patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get 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 a person's daily life. 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 reason you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to select an option that allows you to select your preferred provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. Bringing a family member along is always beneficial. After your assessment the specialist will present an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when trying to get an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should be able to follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If school performance isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD, they should explain the reasons. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is fine and shouldn't stop you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the main reasons why adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical experts. Some doctors may tell them that their troubles are due to an inability to work or that they are lazy or negligent. It can be difficult, but remember that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific research.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not understand the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal or think that the person is hiding these symptoms. Some GPs may be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which may present with the same symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may mistake the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or believe that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easier to overlook. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to make an appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to, and then promptly rejected by the GPs).
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your job, home and family, based on the service provider. They will also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send a letter to your GP that details the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements, but 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 an illness but don't want to take medication?
A mental health professional can to develop a treatment program that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or a medication. It may also require lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression towards other people or serious infringements of social norms and regulations at school, home or with the peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult to get your driving license. However, this is only when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day to day living. This is something you would need to discuss with your doctor.
Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you drive particularly if your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. As a result you could find you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication prior to driving. If you're concerned about this, choose to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.
As you can see, the Panorama programme gave a very negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they received an assessment in a private clinic without any medication titration. They were then required return to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This not only discredits the NHS but also adds to the stigma associated with a condition for which many people feel belittled by their family members.