ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may refer an adult with ADHD to a private health professional to receive an assessment. This can be done either in person or online through video calls.
Panorama, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This could put patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment and help you reduce the feeling of self-doubt and confusion. The diagnosis can help family members to know the symptoms and how it affects a person's daily 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 send you to an expert to conduct an assessment. This process will be quicker when you ask your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your preferred provider.
You will then go through an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a detailed psychological test and clinical interview. Bring a family member along is always beneficial. After your assessment, a specialist will determine the cause of ADHD and make treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last between two and three hours.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS. When providing care to you, the healthcare professionals should still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor is unable to diagnose you with ADHD the doctor should explain why. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable and shouldn't stop you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the primary reasons why adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical professionals. Certain doctors might tell them that their problems are caused by the lack of effort or they're lazy or negligent. It can be difficult, but remember that these myths aren't supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain an diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not know what it is or how to recognize it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is masking them. Certain GPs might be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD might confuse the person's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or assume that the person suffers from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easy to overlook. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment providers will require a written consent from your GP before they can take your appointment. This isn't always straightforward as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately batted back by doctors) with bogus reasons.
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This may include questions about your work, home and family life, based on the doctor. They will also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be most suitable for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications however if they don't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed your doctor will then send a letter to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements, but not all. If IamPsychiatry does not accept these agreements, you will still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I receive a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?
A mental health professional can create a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and may include talk therapy or a medication. It could also include lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards other people or serious breaches of rules and social norms at home, school or with friends.
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 the case in the event that your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. This is something that you would need to discuss with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you drive in particular when your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. As a result, you might find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before getting behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, you could decide to drive with a friend or only drive when you'll be the only driver in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private health care in ADHD assessments is apparent. Many adults have told us that they received an diagnosis at private clinics without drug adjustment. They were then required to return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS, it adds to the stigma of the condition, which many believe they are being judged for, even by their family members.