ADHD Private Diagnosis

A GP may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video conference.

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

What happens if I don't receive an appointment?

A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment and can help reduce feelings of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the symptoms and how it affects the life of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed management of 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 recommend you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. This process will be faster when you ask your GP to use a scheme that lets you choose your preferred provider.

The next step is a comprehensive psychotherapy assessment, symptoms which includes an in-depth interview and psychological test. 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.

A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. When delivering care to you the healthcare professionals must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.

If your doctor doesn't believe you have ADHD you should be told the reasons. It may be that they don't think you meet the criteria for this disorder, or they believe other conditions better explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking an alternative opinion.

Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with adhd diagnosis uk because their GPs or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. They may be told that their issues are the result of not trying to do enough or are lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should keep in mind that these myths aren't supported by scientific evidence.

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

Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or how to identify it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or think that the patient is hiding the signs. Some GPs may also be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).

Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD, or assume that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder as a result. Women who suffer from ADHD may be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms tend to be less obvious and harder to detect. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.

Some private assessment companies require a letter of recommendation from your GP to set up an appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessment are referred, and then promptly rejected by doctors).

The GP will ask you questions regarding your life, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your job, home and family, based on the doctor. They will also talk about the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be most suitable for you. Most clinicians will suggest stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

When you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send a letter to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors accept these agreements but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you will still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

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

A mental health professional can help to develop a treatment program that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and may involve talk therapy or medicine. It could also involve lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior toward other people or serious violations of social norms and guidelines at home, school or in the company of peers.

What is the procedure if I decide to drive?

The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder for you to obtain your driving licence. However it is only applicable when your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your daily living. You would need to discuss this with your doctor.

In the same way, having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving particularly when your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. It may be difficult to organize your car or make sure to take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, you can decide to travel 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 program gave a highly negative and biased perception of private treatment for adhd diagnosis for adults assessments. Many adults have told us that they were given a diagnosis in an private clinic with no drug adjustment. They were then required return to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This not only discredits the NHS but also increases the stigma surrounding a condition for which many sufferers are judged, even by family members.