3 Reasons 3 Reasons Why Your ADHD Private Diagnosis Is Broken (And How To Fix It)
ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD may need to be referred by their GP to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video call.
Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
A professional diagnosis can give you treatment options and help reduce anxiety or self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members better know the symptoms and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can lead to stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK In the UK, first speak to your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment by an expert. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to sign up for a plan that lets you choose your own provider.
Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a thorough psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. It is always helpful to bring a friend or family member with you for support. After your assessment, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.
A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. When providing care to you, the healthcare professionals should still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If adhd diagnosis in adult does not identify you as having ADHD, he or she should explain the reason. It could be because they don't think you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they believe that an alternative condition is more likely to explain your behavior (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
One of the most common reasons that adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical professionals. Certain doctors might tell them that their problems are due to an inability to work or that they are lazy or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating However, it is important to keep in mind that these types of myths do not come from research-based evidence.
What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?
Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain a diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not be aware of what it is or how to recognize it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is masking them. Some GPs may also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which may present with similar symptoms).
Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD, or assume that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and difficult to overlook. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they can take the appointment. This isn't always easy as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then promptly batted back by doctors) on spurious grounds.
The GP who examines you will want to ask some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your work, home and family, based on the service provider. They'll also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be the best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
Once you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send a letter to your GP that details the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors will accept these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP does not, you will need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I get a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are similar to the symptoms of ADHD, so an expert in mental health can assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is vital, and it may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression towards other people or serious violations of rules and social norms at home, school, or among friends.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This can make it harder to get your driving licence. However, this is only if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day-to-day living. You should discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving particularly if you show impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. It may be difficult to organise your car, or make sure to take your medication prior to driving. If you're concerned about this, 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 healthcare in ADHD assessments is clear. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration, and then must go back to their GP and wait in the end of the line for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This doesn't only discredit the NHS, it increases the stigma associated with an illness that many believe they are being judged for even by their family members.