An adult with ADHD might need to be referred by their doctor to a private healthcare specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video calls.
The BBC’s Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that provide incorrect diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I don’t have an answer to my question?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the symptoms and how it impacts a person’s life. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed approach to managing adhd adult diagnosis.
In the UK, you should first speak to your GP about the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment with an expert. This process will be faster when you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that lets you choose your personal provider.
You will then go through an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a detailed clinical interview and psychological testing. Bringing a family member along is always beneficial. After your evaluation, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. You should expect your appointment to last between two and three hours.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to get an appointment through the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with should still follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If your healthcare provider does not find that you have ADHD, they should explain why. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly fine and shouldn’t discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the main reasons adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical experts. They might be told that their issues are the result of not working hard enough or that they are negligent or lazy. This can be extremely disappointing However, it is important to remember that these types of stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.
What happens if I don’t agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to receive a diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not know what it is or how to recognize it. Some might ignore the signs or believe that the patient is concealing the symptoms. Some GPs may also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health conditions such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
Some medical professionals who aren’t familiar with ADHD may mistake the person’s behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or believe that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder as a result. Women with ADHD may be difficult to recognize because their symptoms tend to be subtler and more difficult to identify. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This procedure can be difficult due to the fact that NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then promptly rejected by the GPs).
The GP who evaluates you will want to ask some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your home, work and family life, based on the service provider. They will also talk about the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be best for you. Most doctors will suggest stimulant medication, but if it doesn’t work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you’ve been diagnosed the doctor will write 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 does not, you’ll need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis, ADHD Private Diagnosis but don’t wish to take medication?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are the same as the symptoms of ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and may involve talk therapy or a medication. It could also involve lifestyle adjustments. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression toward other people or serious breaches of social norms and rules at home, school or with friends.
What happens if I want to drive?
Since the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having the condition can make it harder for you to get your driver’s license. This is only a possibility if your symptoms are having a long-term and significant impact on your daily life. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.
Similar to having ADHD could affect how you drive, especially in the case of an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. You may have difficulty to organize your car or make sure to take your medication before driving. If you are worried about this, you may opt to travel with a passenger or only drive when you will be alone in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is apparent. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but then have to return to their GP and wait at the back of the line for an NHS assessment due to being’sneaked into the private clinic. This doesn’t just discredit the NHS and adds to the stigma of the condition, which many think they are judged by even by their own family.