ADHD Private Diagnosis

A GP may refer an adult with ADHD to a private health specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video calls.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that offer unreliable diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.

What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?

A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment options and help reduce feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the disorder and how it affects the person's life. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to sign up for a plan which allows you to select your personal provider.

The next step is a comprehensive psychological evaluation, which consists of an extensive interview and psychological tests. It is always helpful to bring a friend or family member with to provide assistance. After your assessment the specialist will be able to diagnose ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last for about two sessions.

A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when you attempt to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.

If your doctor doesn't diagnose you with ADHD then he or she should explain the reason. It could be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for this disorder, or they think other conditions better explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.

One of the main reasons adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical experts. Certain doctors might tell them that their problems result from an inability to work or that they are lazy or incompetent. It can be difficult, but remember that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific evidence.

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

Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not know what it is or how to diagnose it. Some might ignore the signs or think that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).

In certain instances medical professionals who are unfamiliar with ADHD might confuse the person's behavior with their uncontrolled ADHD or may believe that the patient is suffering from anxiety or depression as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easier to miss. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that aren't effective.

Certain private assessment providers will require a referral from your GP before they will bring your appointment. This procedure can be difficult as NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then rejected by GPs).

The GP will ask you questions regarding your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your work, home and family life, based on the provider. They'll also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medication first but should this not work for you then a non-stimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.

Once you've been diagnosed, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and how they recommend that you be treated. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Some GPs will accept these agreements however, not all of them. If your GP does not, you'll need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

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

A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to those for ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and could include talk therapy, medicine, or ADHD Private Diagnosis lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression towards other people or serious breaches of social norms and rules at school, home or with friends.

What happens if I want drive?

As the DVLA thinks of adhd diagnosis uk adults as a disability, having the condition could make it harder for you to obtain your driver's license. However this is only the case if your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something you'll need to discuss with your doctor.

Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving, especially when your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. As a result, you might find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication before getting behind the wheel. If you are worried about this, you can choose to drive with a passenger or only drive when you will be alone in the car.

Panorama's negative portrayal of private health care in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without drug titration, but they are required to return to their GP and wait in the back of the line to undergo an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked' in to a private clinic. This doesn't just discredit the NHS, it increases the stigma associated with an illness that many feel they are judged for even by their own family.