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ADHD Private Diagnosis
A GP may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that offer inaccurate diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment and help you reduce the feeling of anxiety and self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members know the symptoms and how it affects the daily activities of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment with an expert. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to use a plan that allows you to select your preferred provider.
Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a detailed psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. It is always helpful to bring a family member along with you for assistance. After the evaluation an expert will identify ADHD and make treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last around two sessions.
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 healthcare professionals, they must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't determine that you have ADHD then he or she should explain the reason. It could be because they don't believe you meet their criteria for the disorder, or they believe that an alternative condition is more likely to explain your behavior (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the main reasons adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical professionals. Some doctors may tell them that their troubles result from the lack of effort or they're lazy or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating however it is important to keep in mind that these types of myths do not come from research-based evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to receive an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or know how to diagnose it. Some might ignore the signs or think that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some GPs may be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or assume that the person suffers from anxiety or depression due to their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to miss. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This procedure can be difficult because NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then promptly rejected by GPs).
The GP who examines you will inquire about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This could include questions about your home, work and family life, based on the service provider. They'll also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be best for you. Most clinicians will suggest stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
When you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send paperwork to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. adhd diagnosis in adult is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP doesn't, you will need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get an illness but don't want to take medication?
Many of the signs of anxiety and depression 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 specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial, and it may include therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD could also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression towards other people or serious infringements of social norms and rules at school, home, or among peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
As the DVLA considers ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult to get your driver's license. However it is only applicable if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your daily living. This is something you should discuss with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you perform when driving particularly in the case of impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. You may have difficulty to organise your car, or ensure that you take your medication before driving. If you're concerned about this, choose 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 provided a biased negative view of private care for ADHD assessments. Many adults have reported to us that they were given a diagnosis in an private clinic with no medication titration. They then had to return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS, it adds to the stigma of the condition, which many feel they are judged by even by their family members.
