A doctor may refer an adult with ADHD to a private health professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video calls.
Panorama, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This puts patients at risk.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you treatment options and help reduce anxiety or self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members comprehend the condition and how it affects the person’s daily routine. 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 send you to an expert to be assessed. This process will be faster If you request your GP to refer you to a scheme which allows you to select your personal provider.
You will then undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment which includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. Bring a family member along is always beneficial. After the assessment the specialist will be able to diagnose ADHD and make treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.
A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when seeking a diagnosis through the NHS. If you are receiving treatment, the healthcare professionals should still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor isn’t able to determine that you suffer from ADHD, they should explain the reason. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, adhd private diagnosis or they may believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is fine and shouldn’t stop you from seeking a second opinion.
One of the main reasons that adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical professionals. Some doctors may tell them that their troubles are due to the lack of effort or they’re lazy or incompetent. It can be difficult, but be aware that these myths aren’t supported by scientific research.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not know what it is or how to get diagnosed with adhd to identify it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is masking these symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the distinction between ADHD, depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
In certain instances, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient’s behaviour with their uncontrolled ADHD or will think that the person is suffering from anxiety or depression because of their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from adhd diagnosis adults uk private who’s symptoms may be more subtle and easier to overlook. This confusion can lead to inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This can be a difficult process due to the fact that NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately rejected by the GPs).
The GP will ask you questions regarding your life and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This may include questions about your job, home and family life, based on the service provider. They will also talk about the various strengths and types of medication that are available to treat ADHD, and what may be the best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medication first but in the event that this doesn’t work for you, then a nonstimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
When you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send you a document to your GP that outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a’shared-care agreement’. Some doctors will accept these agreements, but not all of them will. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you’ll still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis, but don’t wish to take medication?
A mental health professional can assist to develop a treatment program that is that is tailored to the individual’s needs. Early treatment is essential and may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression towards others or serious infringements of social norms and rules at school, home, or among friends.
What happens if I want to drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder for you to obtain your driving licence. This is only applicable in the event that your symptoms are having a a long-term and significant impact on your daily routine. This is something that you should discuss with your doctor.
Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you drive, especially when your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. You may find it difficult to organize your car or remember to take your medication before driving. If you’re worried about this, you can choose to drive with a passenger or only drive when you are certain you’ll be driving on your own in the car.
Panorama’s negative portrayal of private health care in ADHD assessments is clear. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration test, but then have to return to their GP and wait in the back of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were’sneaked’ in to the private clinic. This doesn’t just denigrate the NHS but also adds to the stigma of the condition, which many feel they are being judged for even by their own family.