14 Common Misconceptions About ADHD Private Diagnosis
ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD might be referred by their GP to a private healthcare specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person, or via video conference.
The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
A diagnosis from a professional can grant you treatment options and help reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members better understand the condition and how it impacts a person's daily life. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK In the UK, first talk to your GP about why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to a specialist to be assessed. This process will be quicker if you ask your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your preferred provider.
Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a detailed psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. It is always helpful to bring a friend or family member with to provide assistance. After the assessment, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment is expected to last for about two sessions.
A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can assist you in avoiding the pitfalls of trying to get an appointment through the NHS. When delivering care to you, the healthcare professionals should remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor doesn't diagnose you with ADHD the doctor must explain why. It could be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for this disorder, or they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). This is totally acceptable and shouldn't deter you from seeking an additional opinion.
One of the primary reasons that adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical professionals. Certain doctors might tell them that their troubles are due to the lack of effort or that they're lazy or incompetent. This can be extremely disappointing 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 accurate diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not be aware of the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or think that the person is masking the symptoms. Certain GPs might also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).
In some instances, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behaviour with their uncontrolled ADHD or may assume that the person suffers from anxiety or depression due to their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easy to overlook. This can lead to inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.
Some private assessment companies will require a written consent from your GP before they can take your appointment. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult isn't always straightforward as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to and later rebuffed by doctors) with bogus reasons.
The GP will ask you questions about your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This can include questions regarding your home, work, and family, depending on the provider. They will also discuss the different types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD and which may be most suitable for you. Most clinicians will suggest stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.
If you are diagnosed the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which that you be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors will sign these agreements however, not all will. If your GP does not, you will have to continue paying privately for your appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I am given an illness but don't want to take medication?
A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are the same as those of ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can help develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and could include therapy or a medication. It may also require lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD could also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression toward other people or serious infringements of social norms and regulations at home, school or with friends.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder to get your driving licence. This is only a possibility when your symptoms have a an extended and significant impact on your daily life. This is something you would need to discuss with your doctor.
Similar to having ADHD can affect how you drive, especially if your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. In the end you may find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication prior to driving. If you are worried about this, you may decide to travel with a passenger or only drive when you'll be the only driver in the car.
Panorama's negative portrayal of private care in ADHD assessments is clear. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration, and they are required to return to their GP and wait in the back of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked' in to a private clinic. This doesn't only discredit the NHS, it creates a stigma around a condition that many people believe they are being judged for, even by their family members.