ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might be referred by their GP to a private healthcare specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or online through video calls.
Panorama, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This can put people at risk.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
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 condition, and how it affects a person's life. This can lead to better relationships and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reasons you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to a specialist to be assessed. This process will be faster If you request your GP to sign up for a plan which allows you to select your preferred provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation, which consists of an in-depth interview and psychological tests. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. You should expect your appointment to last between two and three hours.
Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when seeking a diagnosis through the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.
If your doctor is unable to determine that you have ADHD then he or she must explain why. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking an alternative opinion.
One of the main reasons that adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical professionals. Some doctors might inform them that their problems are caused by a lack of effort or they're lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but be aware that these myths aren't supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or believe that the patient is hiding the signs. Certain GPs might be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which may present with similar symptoms).
Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or believe that they suffer from anxiety or depression disorder as a result. Women with ADHD may be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically subtler and more difficult to detect. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis www.iampsychiatry.uk can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment companies require a letter of recommendation from your GP to set up 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 promptly rejected by GPs).
The GP who examines you will be looking to ask you some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. This can include questions regarding your work, home and family life, based on the provider. They will also discuss the different types and strengths of medications available to treat ADHD, and what may be best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send paperwork to your GP which outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement'. Some doctors are in agreement with 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 receive an illness but don't want to take medication?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are similar to those of ADHD and anxiety, therefore a mental health professional can help you develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or a medication. It could also include lifestyle adjustments. 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 home, school or in the company of peers.
What happens if I want to drive?
Since the DVLA considers ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult to obtain your driver's license. This only applies when your symptoms have a a long-term and significant impact on your daily life. You should discuss this with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. As a result you could find you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication before getting behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, you could choose 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 apparent. Many adults have reported to us that they were given a diagnosis in private clinics without medication adjustment. 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 think they are being judged for, even by their own family.