ADHD Private Diagnosis

A person suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by their doctor to a private healthcare specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video calls.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that offer unreliable diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.

What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?

A medical diagnosis can provide you access to treatments and reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can help family members understand the symptoms and how it impacts the person's life. This can lead to better relationships as well as a more educated approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK In the UK, first speak to your GP about the reasons you think you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to conduct an assessment. This process will be quicker if you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that lets you choose your own provider.

You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After the assessment an expert will determine the cause of ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last between two and three hours.

A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when you attempt to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS. When providing care to you the healthcare professionals must remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.

If your doctor doesn't diagnose you with ADHD then he or she must explain why. It could be because they don't believe you meet the criteria for the disorder, or they believe that other conditions better explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.

Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. Certain doctors might tell that their issues are caused by an inability to work or they're lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but you should be aware that these stereotypes aren't supported by evidence from science.

What happens if I disagree?

Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and Adhd diagnosis private may not understand the nature of the condition or how to get diagnosed with adhd uk to diagnose it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or assume the person is concealing the symptoms. Some doctors may be confused by the distinction between adhd diagnosis adults and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can present with the same symptoms).

Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as a sign of untreated adhd diagnosis private, or assume that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. This is particularly challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easy to miss. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that are not effective.

Some private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This procedure can be difficult as NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then promptly rejected by the GPs).

The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider the questions could be about your work, home and family. They will also discuss the various types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD, and what may be best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications, but if it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

Once you've been diagnosed and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and how that you be treated. This is known as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs accept these agreements but not all. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you will still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I am given a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?

A mental health professional can assist to develop a treatment program that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is essential and could include therapy or medicine. It could also include lifestyle modifications. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards other people or severe violations of rules and social norms at school, home or in the company of friends.

What happens if you want to drive?

The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This could make it more difficult for you to obtain your driving license. This only applies when your symptoms have a a long-term and significant impact on your life. You would need to discuss this with your doctor.

ADHD can also affect your driving performance, especially if you exhibit inattention and unstable driving habits. As a result you could find you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, choose to travel with a partner or only drive when there's no other person in the car.

As you can see, the Panorama programme gave a very negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they received an diagnosis at a private clinic without any drug adjustment. They then had to return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also contributes to the stigma associated with the condition, which makes many people feel belittled by family members.