ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can refer an adult with ADHD to a private health professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that offer unreliable diagnoses. This could put patients at risk.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and decrease anxiety or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the symptoms and how it affects the life of a person. This can lead to stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment with an expert. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to use a scheme that lets you choose your own provider.
The next step is a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, which includes an extensive interview and psychological tests. Bringing a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS. When delivering care to you healthcare professionals, they must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your healthcare provider isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD you should be told the reasons. It could be because they don't believe you meet the criteria for the disorder, or they believe that another condition better explains your behavior (symptoms). This is totally acceptable and shouldn't deter you from seeking an additional opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals don't understand them. Some doctors may tell that their issues result from an inability to work or that they are lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should be aware that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific research.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to recognize it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or think that the person is masking the symptoms. Some doctors may be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health conditions such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
In some cases medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with their uncontrolled ADHD or may think that the person suffers from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD are often difficult to recognize because their symptoms are often less obvious and harder to identify. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medicines that are not effective in treating ADHD.
diagnose adhd require a letter of recommendation from your GP to set up an appointment. This process is not always straightforward, as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to and then promptly batted back by GPs) on bogus grounds.
The GP who assesses you will be looking to inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider the questions could be about your home, work and family. They will also go over the various strengths and types of medication that are available to treat ADHD, and what may be most suitable for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medication first but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
When you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send you a document to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is known as a'shared-care agreement'. Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you'll still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but do not want to take medication or other treatment?
A mental health professional can help to develop a treatment program that is that is tailored to the individual's needs. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or medicine. It could also involve lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards others or serious violations of social norms and rules at school, home or in the company of peers.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
As the DVLA considers ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it harder for you to obtain your driver's license. This is only applicable when your symptoms have a an extended and significant impact on your life. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician.
Similar to having ADHD may affect how well you drive, especially if your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. You may have difficulty to arrange your car or ensure that you take your medication before driving. If you're worried about this, you can opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there is no one else in the car.
As you can see that the Panorama program gave a highly negative and distorted view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration, and they are required to go back to their GP and wait in the back of the line for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This doesn't just discredit the NHS, it increases the stigma associated with a condition that many people believe they are being judged for, even by their family members.