A doctor can recommend an adult adhd diagnosis suffering from ADHD to a private health professional to receive an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video chat.
The BBC’s Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that offer unreliable diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.
What happens if I don’t receive a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and reduce anxiety or self-doubt. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the disorder and how it impacts a person’s life. This can lead to better relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to consult with your GP and discuss why you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by a specialist. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to use a plan that lets you select your preferred provider.
Then, you will undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a detailed psychological test and clinical interview. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment, a specialist will determine the cause of ADHD and ADHD Private Diagnosis offer treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to get an appointment 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 doctor does not find that you suffer from ADHD They should be able to explain why. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable and shouldn’t discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the main reasons that adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical professionals. They might be told that their problems are the result of not working to do enough or are incompetent or negligent. It can be difficult, but be aware 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 an diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not be aware of the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or think that the patient is hiding the signs. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms).
Some medical professionals who aren’t familiar with ADHD may misinterpret the person’s behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD or believe that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder as a result. This can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD who’s symptoms may be more subtle and easier to overlook. This confusion can lead 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 bring your appointment. This is not always straightforward as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and later rebuffed by doctors) with bogus reasons.
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the doctor, this can include questions about your home, work and family. They will also talk about the various strengths and types of medication that are available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first, but if this doesn’t suit you then a nonstimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
Once you’ve been 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 known as a ‘shared care agreement’. Some GPs accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not, you will have to continue paying privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I receive an illness but don’t want to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are the same as those for ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is vital and could consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression towards other people or serious violations of social norms and rules at school, at home or with friends.
What happens if you decide to drive?
Since the DVLA thinks of adhd private diagnosis as a impairment, having the condition could make it harder for you to get your driver’s license. This only applies in the event that your symptoms are having a an extended and significant impact on your daily life. You should discuss this with your doctor.
Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving 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 your medication before getting behind the wheel. If you’re concerned about this, you can opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there’s no other person in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama program provided a negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have reported to us that they were given an assessment in an private clinic with no medication titration. They had return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn’t just discredit the NHS and increases the stigma associated with the condition, which many believe they are judged for, even by their own family.