ADHD Private Diagnosis

A person suffering from adhd diagnosis for adults might be referred by their GP to a private healthcare professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person, or via video conference.

Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts patients 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 also help family members understand the condition, and how it affects the person's life. This could lead to better communication and a better understanding of ADHD.

In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to a specialist to be assessed. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to sign up for a plan which allows you to select your personal provider.

You will then undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a detailed clinical interview and psychological testing. A family member or friend to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment the specialist will present an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment is expected 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. Healthcare professionals you work with should still follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.

If your doctor does not determine that you have ADHD the doctor should explain the reason. It could be because they don't think you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they believe that another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). This is okay and shouldn't deter you from seeking a different opinion.

Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. Some doctors might inform that their issues are caused by the lack of effort or that they are lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but be aware that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific evidence.

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

Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting an diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition, or even how to identify it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or assume the person is concealing the symptoms. Certain GPs might be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can present with the same symptoms).

In some cases, medical staff who aren't familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or may assume that the person suffers from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. Women with ADHD may be difficult to recognize because their symptoms tend to be less obvious and harder to identify. This confusion can lead where to get diagnosed for adhd inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines that are not helpful in treating ADHD.

Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to set up an appointment. This process is not always straightforward as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then immediately batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.

The GP will ask you questions about your life, and how do you get diagnosed with adhd in adults ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your work, home and adhd diagnosis and academic performance family life, based on the doctor. They will also talk about the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first, but in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a non-stimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.

If you are diagnosed, the clinician will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how that you be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement'. Certain doctors accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you will still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

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

A mental health professional can assist create a treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and could include therapy or medicine. It could also include lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at home, school or in the company of friends.

What happens if you want to drive?

The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This can make it harder to get your driving licence. However it is only applicable if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your daily living. This is it worth getting an adhd diagnosis (www.metooo.co.uk) something that you should discuss with your doctor.

ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. It may be difficult to organize your car or ensure that you take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, you can opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there is no one else in the car.

As you can see it, the Panorama programme gave a very biased negative perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but then have to return to their GP and wait in the back of the queue for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into the private clinic. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS and increases the stigma associated with a condition that many people think they are judged for even by their family members.