ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult adhd diagnosis with ADHD might need to be referred by a GP to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or online through video calls.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.

What happens if I don't get an appointment?

A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and decrease feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the condition, and how it impacts the person's life. This could lead to better communication and a better understanding of ADHD.

In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to an expert to be assessed. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to sign up for the plan that lets you select your own provider.

You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a detailed clinical interview and psychological testing. It is a good idea to bring a friend or family member with you for support. After the assessment, a specialist will diagnose ADHD and make treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.

Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.

If your doctor does not find that you have ADHD They should be able to explain why. It could be that they don't think you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they think other conditions better explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking an alternative opinion.

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

What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?

Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain a diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not know what it is or how do you get a diagnosis for adhd to recognize it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or think that the person is hiding the symptoms. Some doctors may be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health conditions such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which may present with the same symptoms).

Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or think that they are suffering from anxiety or depression disorder due to it. This is particularly challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easy to overlook. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms using antidepressants and other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.

Some private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This isn't always straightforward, as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then immediately batted back by doctors) on spurious grounds.

The GP who assesses you will want to ask some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the doctor, this can include questions about your work, home and family. They'll also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be the best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications, but if it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

Once you've been diagnosed the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and the way in which that you be treated. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some doctors will accept these agreements however, not all of them will. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you will still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What is the next step if I am diagnosed but don't want to take medication or other treatment?

A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are the same as those of ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or medicine. It could also include lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards others or severe violations of social norms and rules at home, school, or among peers.

What happens if I want to drive?

As the DVLA considers ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it more difficult for you to get your driver's license. This is only applicable when your symptoms have a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily life. This is something that you would need to discuss with your physician.

In the same way, having ADHD may affect how well you drive in particular when your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. As a result, you might find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication before getting behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.

As you can see, the Panorama program provided a biased negative opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they received an diagnosis at an private clinic with no drug titration. They had return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS, it adds to the stigma of an illness that many believe they are being judged for, even by their family members.