ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult with ADHD might need to be referred by their GP to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video calls.

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

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

A medical diagnosis can provide you treatment options and help reduce anxiety or self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members know the symptoms and how it impacts the person's daily routine. This can lead to stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK You should first speak to your GP about why you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert to conduct an assessment. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your personal provider.

You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your evaluation, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.

A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when seeking 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 isn't able to determine that you have ADHD They should be able to explain the reason. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second opinion.

Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand them. Certain doctors might tell them that their problems are due to the lack of effort or they're lazy or incompetent. This can be very frustrating, but it is important to remember that these types of myths do not come from evidence from science.

What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?

Many people with ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or know how to recognize it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or believe that the patient is hiding the signs. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).

Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD or believe that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder as a result. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easier to overlook. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that aren't effective.

Certain private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they can take you on for an appointment. This process can be complicated as NHS GPs might not accept adhd diagnosis for adults (pop over here) referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to, and then rejected by the GPs).

The GP who evaluates you will want to ask you some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. This may include questions about your job, home and family life, based on the service provider. They will also talk about the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first, but if this doesn't suit you then a nonstimulant drug such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.

When you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send paperwork to your GP which outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements but not all. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you'll still be required 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 specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may consist of therapy, ADHD Diagnosis For Adults medication or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards others or serious breaches of social norms and rules at school, at home or in the company of friends.

What is the procedure if I decide to drive?

The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This can make it more difficult for you to obtain your driving license. However it is only applicable when your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something you would need to discuss with your physician.

Similar to having ADHD can affect how you drive particularly if your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. In the end, you might find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication before getting behind the wheel. If you're concerned about this, opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.

As you can see it, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they received an assessment in a private clinic without any drug titration. They were then required go back to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS but also adds to the stigma of the condition, which many feel they are judged for even by their own family.