ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult diagnosis of adhd suffering from ADHD might be referred by their GP to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or online through video call.

Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This could put patients at risk.

What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?

A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment options and help you reduce the feeling of anxiety and self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the condition, and how it affects the life of a person. This can result in better relationships and a better understanding of ADHD.

In the UK You should first speak to your GP about the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment with a specialist. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select an option that allows you to select your personal provider.

The next step is a comprehensive psychological evaluation, which consists of a detailed interview and psychological tests. It is always helpful to bring a family member with to provide support. After your assessment the specialist will present an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment is expected to last for about two sessions.

Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when seeking an appointment with the NHS. When providing care to you healthcare professionals, they must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.

If your healthcare provider doesn't believe you have ADHD, they should explain why. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is fine and shouldn't stop you from seeking an alternative opinion.

Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. They may be told that their problems are a result of not trying hard enough or are incompetent or negligent. This can be very frustrating, but it is important to remember that these stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.

What happens if I don't agree?

Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to identify it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or believe that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the distinction between ADHD depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).

Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD, or assume that they are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. Women suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to identify because their symptoms tend to be subtler and more difficult to recognize. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.

Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This process is not always straightforward as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to and then promptly batted back by doctors) on spurious grounds.

The GP who assesses you will be looking to inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your job, home and family life, based on the provider. They will also discuss the different types and strengths of medications available to treat ADHD and which may be best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first, but if this doesn't suit you then a nonstimulant drug such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.

If you are diagnosed, your clinician will send you a document to your GP that details the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors will sign these agreements, but not all of them. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I am diagnosed but do not want to take medication or other treatment?

A mental health professional can help develop a treatment plan that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and could 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 other people or ADHD Private Diagnosis severe violations of social norms and rules at school, at home, or among friends.

What happens if you want to drive?

The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult for you to obtain your driving license. This only applies when your symptoms have a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily routine. This is something that you'll need to discuss with your physician.

ADHD can also affect your driving in particular if you display impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. In the end you may find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.

Panorama's negative portrayal of private health care in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration, and then have to go back to their GP and stand at the end of the line for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This does not just discredit the NHS but also contributes to the stigma surrounding a condition that makes many sufferers feel that they are judged, even by their family members.