ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by their GP to a private health professional to conduct 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 could put vulnerable patients at risk.

What happens if I do not get an appointment?

A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. Having a diagnosis also helps family members know the symptoms and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can result in stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reason you think you have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an evaluation with an expert. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to sign up for the plan that lets you choose your own provider.

The next step is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological tests. It is a good idea to bring a family member along with to provide support. After the assessment the specialist will be able to diagnose ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.

Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when you attempt to obtain an appointment with 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 healthcare provider does not find that you have ADHD, they should explain the reasons. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second opinion.

One of the primary reasons why adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. They may be told that their problems are the result of not working hard enough or that they are negligent or lazy. It can be difficult, but remember that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific research.

What happens if I do not agree?

Many people with ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not be aware of what it is or how to recognize it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or think that the patient is concealing the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms).

Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or believe that they suffer from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. Women with ADHD are often difficult to identify because their symptoms tend to be more subtle and difficult to recognize. This can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medicines that are not helpful in treating ADHD.

Some private assessment companies will require a written consent from your GP before they will take you on for an appointment. This can be a difficult process because NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then rejected by GPs).

The GP who assesses you will be looking to inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This may include questions about your home, work and family life, based on the service provider. They will also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. Generally, ADHD Private Diagnosis clinicians will try stimulant medications first. However, ADHD Private Diagnosis should this not work for you then a non-stimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.

If you are diagnosed the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which you should be treated. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement'. Certain doctors will sign these agreements however, not all of them will. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you'll still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I get a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?

Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are similar to the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can help develop a treatment plan that fits the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or medicine. It could also involve lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior towards other people or serious violations of social norms and guidelines at school, home, or among peers.

What happens if I want to drive?

The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult to get your driving license. This is only applicable when your symptoms have a an extended and significant impact on your life. You should discuss this with your physician.

Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you drive in particular in the case of inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. As a result, you might find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before getting diagnosed with adhd behind the wheel. If you're concerned about this, opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there's no one else in the car.

As you can see it, the Panorama programme gave a very negative and biased view of private care for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they had received a diagnosis for adhd in adults in a private clinic without any medication adjustment. They then had return to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just discredit the NHS and adds to the stigma of an illness that many think they are judged by, even by their family members.