ADHD Private Diagnosis

A GP may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video call.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that provide unreliable diagnoses. This can put people at risk.

What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment?

A professional diagnosis can give you treatment options and help reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members understand the condition and how to get a diagnosis for add it affects the person's daily routine. This can lead to better relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK In the UK, first speak to your GP about the reasons you think you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert to be assessed. This process will be more efficient if you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that lets you choose your preferred provider.

Then, you will undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a detailed clinical interview and psychological testing. It is always beneficial to bring a friend or family member with to provide assistance. After the evaluation an expert will identify ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.

A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that could arise when seeking a diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you.

If your doctor doesn't identify you as having adhd diagnosed in adulthood then he or she must explain why. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a different opinion.

One of the main reasons that adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical experts. Certain doctors might tell them that their troubles are caused by an inability to work or that they are lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but be aware that these myths aren't supported by scientific evidence.

What happens if I disagree?

Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain a diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to get a diagnosis for adhd to recognize it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or believe that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some GPs may also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).

Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may mistake the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or think that they are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder as a result. Women suffering from ADHD are often difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are often more subtle and difficult to detect. This could lead to a mistreatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.

Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This process can be complicated as NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessment are referred, and then rejected by the GPs).

The GP will ask you questions regarding your life and How do you get a diagnosis for adhd ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the doctor the questions could be about your home, work and family. They will also talk about the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. Most doctors will suggest stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

If you are diagnosed, your clinician will send you a document to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements, but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you will still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

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

A lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are the same as the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, therefore an expert in mental health can help develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and could include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle adjustments. Children with ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards others, or serious violations of social norms and regulations at home, school or with friends.

What happens if you decide to drive?

The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it more difficult to get your driving license. However this is only the case when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day-to-day living. You would need to discuss this with your physician.

ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. In the end you could find you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take medication prior to driving. If you are concerned about this, you could choose to drive with a friend or only drive when you know you'll be driving on your own in the car.

The negative image of Panorama's private care in ADHD assessments is clear. Many adults have reported to us that they received an assessment in an private clinic with no medication adjustment. They were then required to return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't just discredit the NHS, it creates a stigma around an illness that many think they are being judged for even by their family members.