ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult suffering from ADHD might be referred by their doctor to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or online through video calls.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that offer inaccurate diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.

What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?

A medical diagnosis can provide you treatment options and help reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members better know the symptoms and how it affects a person's daily life. This can lead to better relationships as well as a more educated approach to managing ADHD.

In the uk adult adhd diagnosis, the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment by a specialist. This process will be faster when you ask your GP to sign up for a plan that lets you choose your preferred provider.

Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a detailed clinical interview and psychological testing. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After the assessment, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions.

A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when trying to get an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with must still follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.

If your healthcare provider isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD you should be told the reasons. It could be that they don't believe that you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second opinion.

Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals don't understand them. They might be told that their problems are a result of not working hard enough or that they are lazy or negligent. It can be difficult, but keep in mind that these stereotypes are not supported by evidence from science.

What happens if I do not agree?

Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting a diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not understand the nature of the condition or how to diagnose it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is masking these symptoms. Certain GPs might also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which may present with similar symptoms).

In some instances medical professionals who are unfamiliar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behaviour with their uncontrolled ADHD or may believe that the patient is suffering from depression or anxiety due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women with ADHD can find it difficult to diagnose because their symptoms tend to be less obvious and harder to recognize. This can lead to inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.

Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to make 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) with bogus reasons.

The GP who examines you will be looking to ask you some questions about your life and How do I get diagnosed with add your ADHD symptoms affect it. This may include questions about your work, home, and family, depending on the service provider. They'll also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be most suitable for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first, but should this not work for you then a non-stimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.

Once you have a diagnosis, the clinician will write to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and how they recommend that you be treated. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors will sign these agreements, but not all of them. If your GP doesn't, you will be required to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I am diagnosed but don't want to take medication or other treatment?

A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to the symptoms of ADHD, so 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 may involve talk therapy or medication. It could also involve lifestyle modifications. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards others or severe violations of rules and social norms at school, home or with peers.

What happens if I want drive?

The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder for you to obtain your driving licence. This is only applicable when your symptoms have a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily routine. You would need to discuss this with your physician.

Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving in particular in the case of impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. As a result you may find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you are concerned about this, you may choose to travel with a passenger or only drive when you'll be the only driver in the car.

The negative image of Panorama's private healthcare in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration, and then must return to their GP and stand at the end of the line for an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked' in to a private clinic. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS, it increases the stigma associated with the condition, which many believe they are being judged for even by their own family.