ADHD Private Diagnosis

A doctor can recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person, ADHD Private Diagnosis or online via video calls.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.

What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?

A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment and help you reduce the feeling of anxiety and self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the disorder and how it impacts a person's life. This could lead to better communication and a more informed management of ADHD.

In the UK the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. This process will be more efficient if you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that lets you choose your own provider.

Then, you will undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After your evaluation the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.

A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when trying to get an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should still adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.

If your doctor is unable to identify you as having ADHD the doctor should explain the reason. It may be that they don't believe you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they believe an alternative condition is more likely to explain your traits (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.

Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals do not understand them. They may be told that their problems are a result of not working to do enough or are incompetent or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating, but it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of stereotypes are not based on scientific evidence.

What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?

Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to recognize it. Some might ignore the signs or assume the person is hiding the signs. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).

Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD or believe that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder as a result. Women who suffer from ADHD can find it difficult to identify because their symptoms tend to be more subtle and difficult to identify. This can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.

Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This is not always easy as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to and later rebuffed by GPs) on bogus grounds.

The GP will ask you questions about your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This may include questions about your job, ADHD Private Diagnosis home and family life, based on the provider. They will also talk about the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. The majority of doctors will recommend stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

Once you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send paperwork to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors accept these agreements but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?

Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are the same as those of ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can help you develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and may include talk therapy or medicine. It could also include lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD may also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards other people, or serious violations of social norms and guidelines at school, home, or among friends.

What happens if I want drive?

The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult for you to obtain your driving license. However, this is only in the event that 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 perform when driving particularly if your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. In the end you may find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, you could opt to drive with a passenger or only drive when you are certain you'll be the only driver in the car.

As you can see it, the Panorama programme gave a very negative and distorted perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but then have to go back to their GP and wait at the back of the line for an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked' in to a private clinic. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS and adds to the stigma of the condition, which many feel they are judged by even by their own family.