ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult with ADHD might be referred by a GP to a private healthcare specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or online through video chat.

Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.

What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?

A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and can help reduce feelings of self-doubt and confusion. Having a diagnosis also helps family members understand the condition and how to be diagnosed with adhd in adults it affects the daily activities of a person. This could lead to better communication and a more informed management of ADHD.

In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss why 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 quicker when you ask your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your preferred provider.

You will then go through an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. It is always helpful to bring a family member along with to provide assistance. After the evaluation the specialist will be able to diagnose ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last between two and three hours.

A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when trying to get an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should be able to follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.

If your healthcare provider isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD, they should explain why. It may be that they don't believe you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they believe an alternative condition is more likely to explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is okay and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.

Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals don't understand them. They might be told that their problems are the result of not working hard enough or are incompetent or negligent. This can be very frustrating however it is important to remember that these myths do not come from 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 are unaware of the condition and may not be aware of what it is or how to get diagnosed with adhd to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is hiding these symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the distinction between ADHD, depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).

In certain instances medical professionals who are unfamiliar with ADHD might confuse the person's behavior with that of their uncontrolled ADHD or may believe that the patient suffers from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. Women suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are often subtler and more difficult to recognize. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective.

Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This procedure can be difficult as NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to, and then promptly rejected by GPs).

The GP who evaluates you will ask some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Depending on the doctor, this can include questions about your work, home and family. They will also go over the various types and strengths of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medications first, but in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a nonstimulant drug such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.

When you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send a letter to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors accept these agreements but not all. If your GP does not, you'll be required to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.

What is the next step if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?

A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are similar to those for ADHD, so a mental health professional can assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and could include therapy or medication. It could also involve lifestyle modifications. Children who suffer from adhd diagnosis private cost are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression toward other people or serious breaches of social norms and rules at school, home or with friends.

What is the procedure if I decide to drive?

As the DVLA thinks of adhd diagnosis adult as a impairment, having the condition could make it harder for you to get your driver's license. However it is only applicable if your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. You should discuss this with your doctor.

ADHD can also affect your driving, especially if you exhibit an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. You may have difficulty to arrange your car or make sure to take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, you may choose to drive with a passenger or only drive when you will be alone in the car.

Panorama's negative portrayal of private care in ADHD assessments is apparent. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration test, but then must go back to their GP and stand at the back of the queue for an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked' in to an private clinic. This does not just discredit the NHS but also adds to the stigma that surrounds the condition, which makes many sufferers are judged, even by their family members.