ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by their doctor to a private health specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that give inaccurate diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
A medical diagnosis can provide you access to treatments and decrease feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the symptoms and how it affects the person's life. This could lead to better communication and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment with an expert. This process will be faster if you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that allows you to choose your personal provider.
The next step is a thorough psychiatric assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological tests. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After the evaluation, a specialist will diagnose ADHD and make treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last between two and three hours.
Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when you attempt to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with must still follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor does not diagnose you with ADHD the doctor should explain why. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they may think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. They might be told that their problems are a result of not trying hard enough or are lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but keep in mind that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD are unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might 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. Certain GPs might also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can present with the same symptoms).
In certain instances, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behaviour with their unmanaged ADHD or assume that the person suffers from anxiety or depression as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and difficult to overlook. This confusion could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms using antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies will require a letter from your GP before they will take you on for an appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately rejected by GPs).
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This can include questions regarding your home, work and family life, based on the service provider. They will also discuss the various strengths and types of medication that are available to treat ADHD, and what may be best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first, but should this not work for you then a non-stimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.
Once you've been diagnosed, the clinician will write to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which 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, you will need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed, but I do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?
how to diagnose adhd can assist create a treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and could include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards others or serious breaches of rules and social norms at school, at home, or among peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult to get your driving license. However it is only applicable when your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day to day living. You would need to discuss this with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you drive, especially if your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. It may be difficult to organize your car or remember to take your medication before driving. If you are concerned about this, you could decide to travel with a passenger or only drive when you'll be driving on your own in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private care in ADHD assessments is clear. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration, and they are required to go back to their GP and wait in the back of the queue to undergo an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked' in to an private clinic. This not only discredits the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with a condition for which many sufferers feel that they are judged, even by family members.