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ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can refer an adult with ADHD to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video call.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. adhd uk diagnosis could put patients at risk.
What happens if I don’t have a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you treatment options and help reduce anxiety or self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members know the symptoms and how it affects the person’s daily routine. This can result in better relationships and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK The first step is to speak with your GP and discuss why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you for an assessment by a specialist. This process will be more efficient If you request your GP to use a scheme which allows you to select your preferred provider.
You will then go through a thorough psychiatric assessment which includes a thorough psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. It is always helpful to bring a family member along with you to offer support. After your evaluation the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. You should expect your appointment to last between two and three hours.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when seeking a diagnosis through the NHS. When delivering care to you healthcare professionals, they must 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 reasons. It could be because they don’t believe you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they believe that other conditions better explain your traits (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn’t discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the most common reasons that adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. They may be told that their problems are the result of not working hard enough 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 receive a diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to recognize it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or assume that the person is hiding these symptoms. Some doctors may be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can present with the same symptoms).
In some cases medical professionals who are unfamiliar with ADHD will confuse the person’s behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or will think that the person suffers from depression or anxiety as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD can find it difficult to identify because their symptoms tend to be more subtle and difficult to detect. This can lead to inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they can take your appointment. This can be a difficult process due to the fact that NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then rejected by doctors).
The GP who assesses you will be looking to ask some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. Based on the provider, this can include questions about your home, work and family. They will also talk about the various types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications however if they don’t work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send you a document to your GP that details the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is known as a “shared care agreement”. Some doctors will accept these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP does not, you will be required to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am given a diagnosis, but don’t wish to take medication?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are the same as the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, therefore a mental health professional can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential, and it may include talk therapy, medicine, or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD can be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards others or serious infringements of social norms and guidelines at home, school or in the company of the peers.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
Since the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it more difficult for you to obtain your driver’s license. This is only a possibility when your symptoms have a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily life. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show inattention and unstable driving habits. In the end you may find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you’re worried about this, you can opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there is no anyone else in the vehicle.
As you can see, the Panorama programme gave a very negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have reported to us that they received a diagnosis in a private clinic without any drug titration. They were then required return to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn’t only discredit the NHS, it increases the stigma associated with a condition that many people feel they are judged for even by their own family.