ADHD Private Diagnosis

A doctor can recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or online through video calls.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that offer unreliable diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.

What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?

A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment options and help you reduce the feeling of confusion and self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members better understand the condition and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK In the UK, first talk to your GP about the reason you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an evaluation with an expert. This process will be faster if you ask your GP to use a scheme that lets you choose your personal provider.

You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. It is always helpful to bring a friend or family member with you for support. After the evaluation an expert will determine the cause of ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.

Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when trying to get a diagnosis through the NHS. 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 isn't able to determine that you have ADHD, they should explain the reason. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is fine and shouldn't stop you from seeking a second opinion.

One of the most common reasons adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. Some doctors may tell them that their troubles result from an inability to work or they're lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but be aware that these myths aren't supported by evidence from science.

What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?

Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition, or even how to identify it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or assume the person is hiding the signs. Certain GPs might also be confused by the difference between adhd diagnosis northern ireland cost and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which may present with the same symptoms).

Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or believe that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. Women who suffer from ADHD can find it difficult to identify because their symptoms are typically subtler and more difficult to identify. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.

Certain private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This is not always straightforward as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then promptly batted back by GPs) with bogus reasons.

The GP who assesses you will want to inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the provider the questions could be about your work, home and family. They'll also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medication first but in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a non-stimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.

If you are Being diagnosed with adhd in adulthood the doctor will send paperwork to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some GPs accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you will still be required 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 create a treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and may involve talk therapy or medication. It may also require lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards others or serious violations of rules and social norms at school, at home or with peers.

What happens if you want to drive?

As the DVLA considers ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it harder for you to get your driver's licence. This only applies when your symptoms have a a long-term and significant impact on your daily routine. This is something that you'll need to discuss with your doctor.

ADHD can also affect your driving performance in particular if you display inattention and unstable driving habits. In the end you may find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take your medication prior to driving. If you are concerned about this, you can decide to drive with a friend or only drive when you'll be driving on your own in the car.

Panorama's negative portrayal of private health care in ADHD assessments is apparent. Many adults have told us that they received a diagnosis in an private clinic with no drug adjustment. They were then required return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just discredit the NHS and adds to the stigma of an illness that many feel they are judged by even by their own family.