find out here may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you treatment options and help reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the condition, and how it affects the person's life. This can lead to better relationships and a better management of ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to an expert for an assessment. This process will be quicker when you ask your GP to use a scheme that lets you choose your preferred provider.
Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment the doctor will give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment is expected to last for about two sessions.
Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when trying to get an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should still follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.
If your doctor does not find that you have ADHD They should be able to explain the reason. It could be because they don't think you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they believe that another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). This is fine and should not discourage you from seeking a different opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals misunderstand them. Certain doctors might tell them that their problems are due to the lack of effort or they're lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but keep in mind that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific research.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain an diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to recognize it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal or think that the person is hiding these symptoms. 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 might mistake the patient's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD, or assume that they suffer from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. This is especially challenging for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to overlook. This can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies require a letter of recommendation from your GP to make an appointment. This procedure can be difficult due to the fact that NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then immediately rejected by doctors).
The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your job, home and family life, based on the service provider. adhd diagnosis uk adults will also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Most doctors will suggest stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
When you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send you a document to your GP that details the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements however, not all will. If your GP does not, you will need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am given a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are the same as the symptoms of ADHD, so a mental health professional can assist in developing a treatment plan that fits the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and could 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 others or serious breaches of social norms and rules at school, at home or in the company of friends.
What happens if you decide to drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult to get your driving license. However it is only applicable when your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your daily living. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician.
Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you drive in particular if your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. In the end you could find you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication prior to driving. If you're concerned about this, opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama program provided a negative and distorted opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they were given an assessment in an private clinic with no medication titration. They were then required go back to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with a condition that makes many sufferers feel belittled by family members.