Five Tools Everybody Is In The ADHD Private Diagnosis Industry Should Be Utilizing
ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD might need to be referred by a GP to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that give incorrect diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and can help you reduce the feeling of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can help family members understand the disorder and how it affects the life of a person. This can lead to stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to conduct an assessment. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to sign up for the plan that lets you choose your own provider.
Then, you will undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a detailed psychological test and clinical interview. It is a good idea to bring a family member along with you for support. After the assessment the specialist will be able to diagnose ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last between two and three hours.
A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when you attempt to obtain an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor does not find that you have ADHD you should be told why. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they may consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. They may be told that their issues are the result of not trying hard enough or that they are incompetent or negligent. It can be frustrating, but be aware that these myths aren't supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or how to recognize it. Some might ignore the signs or assume the person is concealing the symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).
In certain instances medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or will think that the person suffers from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to miss. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.
Some private assessment companies will require a referral from your GP before they can take you on for an appointment. diagnosed with adult adhd can be difficult because NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately rejected by GPs).
The GP who assesses you will want to ask you some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your work, home and family, based on the doctor. They will also talk about the various types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD, and what may be most suitable for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you've been diagnosed, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and how that you be treated. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you will still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to those for ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can help develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and may consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD could be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion toward other people, or serious violations of social norms and guidelines at home, school or in the company of peers.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult to get your driving license. This is only applicable in the event that your symptoms are having a an ongoing and significant impact on your life. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. You may have difficulty to organize your car or ensure that you take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, you may choose to drive with a passenger or only drive when you know you'll be driving on your own in the car.
The negative image of Panorama's private care in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without drug titration, but then must return to their GP and stand at the end of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into an private clinic. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also contributes to the stigma that surrounds a condition for which many people feel judged, even by family members.