ADHD Private Diagnosis

A person suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by a 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 exposed clinics that provide incorrect diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.

What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?

A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment and help you reduce the feeling of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the symptoms and how it impacts the life of a person. This can result in stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.

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

You will then go through an extensive psychiatric examination which includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After the evaluation, a specialist will determine the cause of ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last between two and three hours.

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

If your doctor is unable to diagnose you with ADHD the doctor must explain why. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they may think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking a different opinion.

One of the most common reasons adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical professionals. Certain doctors might tell them that their troubles are due to the lack of effort or that they're lazy or incompetent. This can be extremely frustrating, ADHD Private Diagnosis but it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of myths do not come from research-based evidence.

What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?

Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to receive a diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to diagnose it. Some might ignore the signs or believe that the patient is concealing the symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the distinction between ADHD, ADHD Private Diagnosis depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).

In some instances medical professionals who are not familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behaviour with their unmanaged ADHD or will believe that the patient is suffering from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women suffering from ADHD are often difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are typically subtler and more difficult to recognize. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that are not effective.

Some private assessment companies will require a letter from your GP before they will take the appointment. This process can be complicated as NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessment are referred, and then rejected by the GPs).

The GP will ask you questions about your life and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your job, home, and family, depending on the doctor. They will also go over the various strengths and types of drugs available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

When you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send you a document to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Some GPs will accept these agreements however, not all of them. If your GP doesn't, you will be required to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I receive an illness but don't want to take medication?

A mental health professional can help to develop a treatment program that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is vital and could include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle adjustments. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression toward other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at school, at home or in the company of friends.

What happens if you want to drive?

As the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it more difficult for you to get your driver's licence. This only applies when your symptoms have a an ongoing and significant impact on your life. You should discuss this with your physician.

ADHD can also affect your driving performance, especially if you exhibit impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. It may be difficult to organise your car, or ensure that you take your medication before driving. If you're worried about this, you can opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no one else in the car.

The negative image of Panorama's private health care in adult adhd diagnosis uk assessments is apparent. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration, and then have to return to their GP and wait at the end of the line for an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked into a private clinic. This does not just discredit the NHS but also contributes to the stigma that surrounds a condition that makes many sufferers feel belittled by family members.