ADHD Private Diagnosis
An adult with ADHD might need to be referred by a GP to a private health specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or via video call.
Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This puts patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and help reduce feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members comprehend the condition and how it affects a person's daily life. This could lead to better communication and a better management of 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 be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to use the plan that lets you select your preferred provider.
The next step is a thorough psychological evaluation, which consists of an extensive interview and psychological test. Bringing a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the evaluation an expert will diagnose ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. Your appointment should last two sessions.
Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when seeking an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. When providing care to you healthcare professionals, they must remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't believe you have ADHD you should be told the reasons. It may be that they don't think you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they believe that an alternative condition is more likely to explain your traits (symptoms). This is perfectly fine 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 do not understand their symptoms. Some doctors may tell that their issues result from the lack of effort or they're lazy or incompetent. It can be difficult, but be aware that these myths aren't supported by scientific evidence.
What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?
Many people suffering from ADHD are unable to obtain an diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not understand the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Some might ignore the signs or assume the person is hiding the signs. Some GPs may be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).
Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or believe that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder as a result. This can be particularly difficult 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 by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that are not effective.
Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to make an appointment. This can be a difficult process as NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessment are referred, and then immediately rejected by the GPs).
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider it could include questions about your work, home and family. They will also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be the best for you. The majority of doctors will suggest stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they could 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 the recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors will sign these agreements, but not all will. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you will still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What is the next step if I am diagnosed but don't want to undergo medication or another treatment?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are similar to those for ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can help develop a treatment plan that fits the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and could include talk therapy, medicine, or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression toward other people or severe violations of rules and social norms at school, home or with peers.
What is the procedure if I decide to drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This can make it more difficult to get your driving license. However, this is only in the event that your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something that you'll need to discuss with your doctor.
ADHD can also affect your driving, especially if you exhibit an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. It may be difficult to arrange your car or make sure to take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, you can decide to drive with a passenger or only drive when you will be alone in the car.
As how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can see, the Panorama programme gave a very biased negative perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. Many adults have reported to us that they had received a diagnosis in a private clinic without any medication titration. They then had go back to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with the condition, which many feel they are judged by even by their family members.