ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult suffering from ADHD might be referred by a GP to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or online through video calls.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that provide inaccurate diagnoses. This can put people at risk.

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

A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment and can help you reduce the feeling of self-doubt and confusion. The diagnosis can help family members to know the symptoms and how it affects a person's daily life. This can result in stronger relationships as well as a more educated approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment with a specialist. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to sign up for a plan that allows you to select your personal provider.

The next step is a thorough psychotherapy assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. It is always beneficial to bring a friend or family member with you to offer assistance. After the evaluation an expert will determine the cause of ADHD and offer treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last between two and three hours.

Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when seeking a diagnosis through the NHS. When delivering care to you healthcare professionals, they must remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.

If your doctor isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD you should be told the reason. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they may consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking an alternative opinion.

One of the primary reasons adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical professionals. Some doctors may tell them that their troubles are due to an inability to work or that they're lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but keep in mind that these stereotypes are not supported by scientific research.

What happens if I don't agree?

Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting diagnosed with adhd an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to identify 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 disorders like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).

Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD, or assume that they are suffering from depression or [Redirect-Frame] an anxiety disorder due to it. Women suffering from ADHD are often difficult to identify because their symptoms tend to be subtler and more difficult to detect. This confusion can cause people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective.

Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This is not always straightforward as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then promptly batted back by doctors) on spurious grounds.

The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider it could include questions about your work, home and family. They will also discuss the various strengths and types of medications available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first. However, in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.

If you are diagnosed and the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how they recommend you should be treated. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Some GPs will accept these agreements however, not all of them will. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you'll still be required 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 of ADHD and anxiety, therefore an expert in mental health can assist in developing a treatment plan that fits the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and may consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior towards others or serious violations of social norms and rules at school, home or in the company of peers.

What happens if you want to drive?

Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult for you to get your driver's licence. However this is only the case when your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day to day living. You should discuss this with your doctor.

ADHD can also affect your driving performance, especially if you exhibit impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. It may be difficult to arrange your car or make sure to take your medication before driving. If you're worried about this, you may decide to drive with a friend or only drive when you are certain you will be alone in the car.

The negative portrayal by Panorama of private adhd diagnosis care in ADHD assessments is evident. Many adults have reported to us that they had received an assessment in a private clinic without any drug adjustment. They were then required return to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't just discredit the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with an illness that many believe they are being judged for even by their own family.