ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult diagnosis of adhd with ADHD might need to be referred by their doctor to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person, or via video conference.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that offer inaccurate diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.

What happens if I don't receive an appointment?

A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment options and help you reduce the feeling of self-doubt and confusion. Having a diagnosis also helps family members know the symptoms and how it affects a person's daily life. This could lead to better communication and a better management of ADHD.

In the UK, you should first speak to your GP about the reason you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to a specialist to be assessed. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to select the plan that lets you select your personal provider.

You will then undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After the assessment, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.

Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. If you are receiving treatment the healthcare professionals must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.

If your doctor does not find that you have ADHD you should be told why. It could be that they don't believe you meet the criteria for the disorder, or they believe that other conditions better explain your traits (symptoms). This is totally acceptable and shouldn't stop you from seeking an additional opinion.

One of the most common reasons that adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. They may be told that their problems are the result of not trying to do enough or are lazy or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating however it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of myths do not come from scientific evidence.

What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?

Many people with ADHD struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to diagnose it. Some might ignore the signs or think that the patient is concealing the symptoms. Some doctors may also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).

Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD, or assume that they are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder as a result. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easier to miss. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that aren't effective.

Some private assessment companies will require a written consent from your GP before they can take your appointment. This is not always straightforward as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to and then immediately batted back by GPs) with bogus reasons.

The GP who evaluates you will want to inquire about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. This can include questions regarding your home, work, and family, depending on the service provider. They will also talk about the different types and strengths of medications available to treat ADHD, ADHD Private Diagnosis and what may be best for you. The majority of doctors will suggest stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

Once you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send a letter to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors will accept these agreements, but not all will. If your GP doesn't, you will be required to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I am given a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?

Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are the same as those for ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or medication. It could also include lifestyle modifications. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression toward other people or serious violations of social norms and rules at school, at home, or among peers.

What happens if I want to drive?

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

Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you drive particularly when your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. As a result you could find you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication before getting behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, you could decide to drive with a passenger or only drive when you know you'll be the only driver in the car.

The negative image of Panorama's private healthcare in ADHD assessments is clear. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but then have to go back to their GP and wait at the back of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into the private clinic. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS and adds to the stigma of the condition, which many think they are judged for, even by their own family.