The Advanced Guide To ADHD Private Diagnosis

ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video calls.
Panorama, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment options and help reduce feelings of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members to understand the condition and how it affects the person's daily routine. This could lead to better communication and a better understanding of ADHD.
In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about the reasons you think you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert to conduct an assessment. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select an option that lets you choose your own provider.
The next step is a thorough psychotherapy assessment, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological test. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After your assessment an expert will identify ADHD and make treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last for about two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. When providing care to you, the healthcare professionals should remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't believe you suffer from ADHD They should be able to explain the reason. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable and shouldn't stop you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. They might be told that their issues are the result of not working hard enough or are negligent or lazy. This can be extremely frustrating However, it is important to keep in mind that these myths do not come from scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to receive a diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to identify it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is hiding these symptoms. Some doctors may be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health conditions such as depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).
Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD, or assume that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. This is especially challenging for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to miss. This can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to make an appointment. This isn't 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 spurious grounds.
The GP who assesses you will be looking to ask you some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the provider it could include questions about your home, work and family. They will also talk about the different types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD and which may be the best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first, but in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.
If you are diagnosed the doctor will send paperwork to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs accept these agreements but not all. If your GP does not, you'll have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are similar to those of ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and could consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. 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 rules and social norms at school, home, or among peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
Since the DVLA considers ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it more difficult for you to obtain your driver's license. This is only a possibility in the event that your symptoms are having a an extended and significant impact on your daily routine. This is something that you would need to discuss with your physician.
In the same way, having ADHD may affect how well you perform when driving, especially when your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. In the end you could find you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If adhd diagnostic concerned about this, choose to drive with someone else or only drive when there is no one else in the car.
As you can see it, the Panorama program provided a negative and distorted view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration test, but then must return to their GP and stand at the back of the queue for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into the private clinic. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also increases the stigma that surrounds a condition for which many sufferers feel judged, even by their family members.