ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD might be referred by their doctor to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that offer unreliable diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
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 condition, and how it impacts the life of a person. This can lead to stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK You should first talk to your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an evaluation with an expert. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select an option that allows you to select your preferred provider.
The next step is a thorough psychotherapy evaluation, which consists of an extensive interview and psychological test. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment the specialist will present an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when seeking an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. If you are receiving treatment healthcare professionals, they must remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor is unable to determine that you have ADHD, he or she should explain the reason. It may be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they believe an alternative condition is more likely to explain your behavior (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an additional opinion.
One of the main reasons why adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical professionals. Certain doctors might tell that their issues are caused by 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 disagree?
Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to identify it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is hiding these symptoms. Certain GPs might also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health disorders like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or think that they are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to overlook. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment providers will require a referral from your GP before they can take the appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to, and then immediately rejected by GPs).
The GP who examines you will want to ask some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. This can include questions regarding your job, home and family, based on the service provider. They'll also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first, but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
Once you've been diagnosed, the clinician will write to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and how they recommend you should be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements but not all. If your GP does not, you will need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial, and it may consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at school, home or with peers.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult to get your driving licence. This is only a possibility if your symptoms are having an ongoing and significant impact on your daily routine. adults diagnosed with adhd is something you would need to discuss with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show inattention and unstable driving habits. It may be difficult to arrange your car or ensure that you take your medication before driving. If you are concerned about this, you can decide to drive with a passenger or only drive when you will be alone in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama programme gave a very biased negative perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. Many adults have reported to us that they received an assessment in a private clinic without any medication adjustment. They had to return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with a condition that many people think they are being judged for, even by their family members.