ADHD Private Diagnosis

A GP may recommend an adult adhd diagnosis suffering from ADHD to a private health professional to receive an assessment. This can be done either in person or online through video call.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that offer incorrect diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.

What happens if I do not get an appointment?

A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and reduce anxiety or self-doubt. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the condition, and how it affects the life of a person. This can result in stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about the reason you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert to be assessed. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to sign up for an option that lets you choose your personal provider.

The next step is a comprehensive psychological evaluation, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After the assessment, the specialist will provide an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.

Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when trying to get an appointment with the NHS. If you are receiving treatment healthcare professionals, they must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.

If your doctor does not identify you as having ADHD, he or she should explain the reason. You may not meet the criteria for adhd diagnosis for adults, or they may think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is fine and shouldn't stop you from seeking a second opinion.

One of the main reasons that adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical experts. They may be told that their issues are the result of not working hard enough or that they are lazy or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating However, it is important to remember that these kinds of stereotypes are not based on research-based evidence.

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

Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to identify it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or assume that the person is hiding these symptoms. Some doctors may be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which may present with the same symptoms).

In some cases, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or will think that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. Women suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to identify because their symptoms are often more subtle and difficult to detect. This confusion can lead to inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.

Some private assessment companies will require a referral from your GP before they can take you on for an appointment. This process can be complicated due to the fact that NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to, and then promptly rejected by the GPs).

The GP who evaluates you will want to ask some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Depending on the doctor the questions could be about your home, work and family. They will also talk about the different types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD, and what may be best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

If you are diagnosed the doctor will write to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which that you be treated. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you will still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

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

A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to those for ADHD and adhd private diagnosis anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can assist in developing the right treatment plan to meet the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and may include talk therapy or medicine. It could also involve lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression toward other people or serious breaches of rules and social norms at school, at home or with friends.

What happens if I want drive?

The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This can make it more difficult to get your driving licence. However this is only the case in the event that 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.

In the same way, having ADHD may affect how well you perform when driving particularly in the case of an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. In the end, you might find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you are concerned about this, you can choose to drive with a passenger or only drive when you will be alone in the car.

As you can see it, the Panorama programme gave a very biased negative view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but then must go back to their GP and wait at the back of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked into the private clinic. This doesn't only discredit the NHS, it increases the stigma associated with an illness that many believe they are judged by even by their own family.