ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult suffering from ADHD might be referred by their doctor to a private healthcare professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or by video calls.

Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This can put people at risk.

What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?

A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and reduce anxiety or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the symptoms and how it impacts the person's life. This can lead to better relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK, the first step is to speak with your GP and ADHD Private Diagnosis discuss the reason you think you have ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an evaluation with an expert. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your own provider.

The next step is a comprehensive psychotherapy evaluation, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After the assessment, a specialist will identify ADHD and make treatment recommendations. Your appointment should last two sessions.

A private diagnosis specialist in adhd diagnosis adults can help you avoid the traps of trying to obtain a diagnose through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should still follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.

If your doctor is unable to determine that you have ADHD the doctor should explain why. It could be that they don't think you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they believe other conditions better explain your traits (symptoms). This is fine and should not discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.

One of the main reasons adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. Some doctors might inform that their issues result from the lack of effort or they're lazy or negligent. This can be very frustrating however it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of myths do not come from evidence from science.

What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?

Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to identify it. Some might ignore the signs or assume the person is masking the symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone is 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 unmanaged ADHD or think that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to overlook. This confusion can lead to inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.

Some private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they can take you on for an appointment. This process is not always easy as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to and later rebuffed by GPs) on bogus grounds.

The GP who assesses you will be looking to ask you some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Based on the provider it could include questions about your home, work and family. They will also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be best for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medication first but if this doesn't suit you then a non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.

If you are diagnosed the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how you should be treated. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you will still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I'm diagnosed but don't want to undergo medication or another treatment?

A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to those for ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at school, home or in the company of friends.

What happens if you decide to drive?

The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult for you to obtain your driving license. However it is only applicable if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day to day living. You should discuss this with your doctor.

Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you drive in particular in the case of impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. In the end you could find you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, choose to travel with someone else or only drive when there is no other person in the car.

As you can see it, the Panorama program provided a biased negative perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration, and they are required to return to their GP and stand at the end of the line for an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked into a private clinic. This does not just discredit the NHS but also contributes to the stigma associated with a condition that makes many people feel judged, even by their family members.