ADHD Private Diagnosis

A GP may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or online through video call.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that give incorrect diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.

What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?

A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment and can aid in reducing feelings of confusion and self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members to know the symptoms and how it affects the daily activities of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about why you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to conduct an assessment. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to select the plan that lets you select your personal provider.

The next step is a comprehensive psychotherapy evaluation, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological tests. It is always helpful to bring a family member with you for assistance. After the assessment an expert will diagnose ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. Your appointment should last two sessions.

Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that could arise when you attempt to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should be able to adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.

If your doctor doesn't determine that you have diagnosing adhd in adults the doctor should explain why. It may be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they think another condition better explains your behavior (symptoms). This is fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking a different opinion.

Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals do not understand them. Certain doctors might tell them that their problems are due to the lack of effort or that they're lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but remember that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific evidence.

What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?

Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain an diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or how to recognize it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or think that the patient is masking the symptoms. Certain GPs might also be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which may present with the same symptoms).

In certain instances, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behaviour with their unmanaged ADHD or will think that the person is suffering from anxiety or depression because of their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and difficult to overlook. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that aren't effective.

Certain private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This can be a difficult process because NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then promptly rejected by doctors).

The GP will ask you questions about your life and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the doctor it could include questions about your work, home and family. They'll also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medications, but if it doesn't work for ADHD Private Diagnosis you, they may suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

If you are diagnosed your doctor will then send a letter to your GP which outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements, but not all of them will. 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 lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are the same as those for ADHD, so a mental health professional can assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan that meets the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is vital and could consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD can be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior towards others or serious infringements of social norms and rules at home, school or in the company of peers.

What happens if I want drive?

As the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having the condition can make it more difficult to obtain your driver's license. However, this is only if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something that you would need to discuss with your doctor.

ADHD can also affect your driving in particular if you display an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. You may have difficulty to organise your car, or ensure that you take your medication prior to driving. If you are worried about this, you can choose to drive with a friend or only drive when you know you will be alone in the car.

As you can see, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and distorted opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they received a diagnosis in an private clinic with no drug adjustment. They then had to 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 judged for, even by their own family.