5 Tools That Everyone Working In The ADHD Private Diagnosis Industry Should Be Making Use Of
ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult suffering from ADHD might be referred by their GP to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video calls.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that give inaccurate diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What is adhd diagnosis uk adults if I fail to get a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment and aid in reducing feelings of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the condition and how it affects a person's daily life. This can result in stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to a specialist for an assessment. This process will be faster If you request your GP to use a scheme which allows you to select your preferred provider.
You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a detailed psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. It is a good idea to bring a family member with you for support. After the assessment an expert will determine the cause of ADHD and make treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for two sessions.
A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when seeking an appointment with the NHS. When delivering care to you the healthcare professionals must remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor does not find that you suffer from ADHD, they should explain why. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals do not understand their symptoms. Some doctors might inform that their issues are caused by an inability to work or they're lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but be aware that these stereotypes are not supported by evidence from science.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to identify it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or think that the person is masking these symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
In some cases, medical staff who aren't familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with their uncontrolled ADHD or believe that the patient is suffering from anxiety or depression due to their unmanaged ADHD. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easier to overlook. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment companies require a letter of recommendation from your GP to make an appointment. This is not always straightforward, as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then promptly batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the doctor, this can include questions about your work, home and family. They will also discuss the various strengths and types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medications first, but if this doesn't suit you then a nonstimulant drug like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
If you are diagnosed, the clinician will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and the way in which you should be treated. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Some GPs accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you will still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed but do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?
A mental health professional can help develop a treatment plan that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or medicine. It could also involve lifestyle modifications. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards others or serious violations of rules and social norms at school, at home, or among peers.
What happens if I want drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This can make it more difficult for you to obtain your driving licence. However, this is only when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. You would need to discuss this with your physician.
Similar to having ADHD could affect how you drive in particular if your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. You may have difficulty to organise your car, or ensure that you take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, you can opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there is no one else in the car.
The negative portrayal by Panorama of private health care in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration test, but then must return to their GP and wait at the back of the queue for an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This not only discredits the NHS but also increases the stigma that surrounds the condition, which makes many sufferers are judged, even by family members.