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ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD might need to be referred by a GP to a private healthcare specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video call.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and decrease feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can help family members understand the symptoms and how it affects the person's life. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by an expert. This process will be faster when you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that lets you choose your preferred provider.
The next step is a thorough psychotherapy assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological tests. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment an expert will diagnose ADHD and make treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last around two sessions.
A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when trying to get an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should still follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If your doctor is unable to identify you as having ADHD the doctor should explain why. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they may believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable and shouldn't stop you from seeking an additional opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. They may be told that their issues are the result of not working hard enough or that they are incompetent or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating However, it is important to remember that these kinds of myths do not come from scientific evidence.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not understand the nature of the condition or how to recognize it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or think that the patient is hiding the signs. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may mistake the person's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD, or assume that they are suffering from anxiety or depression disorder due to it. This is particularly challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to overlook. This can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This isn't always straightforward, as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then immediately batted back by doctors) with bogus reasons.
The GP who assesses you will want to ask you some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the doctor it could include questions about your work, home and family. They will also discuss the various strengths and types of drugs 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 medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.
Once you have a diagnosis, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how they recommend you should be treated. This is called a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors will sign these agreements however, not all of them. If your GP does not, you will have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed, but I do not want to take medication or other treatment?
A mental health professional can assist develop a treatment plan that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is essential, and it may consist of 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 others or severe violations of social norms and rules at school, at home or in the company of peers.
read more What happens if I want drive?
The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it more difficult to get your driving licence. However, this is only if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your daily living. You should discuss this with your doctor.
In the same way, having ADHD could affect how you perform when driving particularly in the case of 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 concerned about this, you can opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
The negative image of Panorama's private care in ADHD assessments is clear. Many adults have reported to us that they were given an diagnosis at a private clinic without any medication adjustment. They had return to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with an illness that many feel they are judged by, even by their family members.