ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult with ADHD may need to be referred by their doctor to a private healthcare professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video calls.

Panorama, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.

What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?

A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and decrease anxiety or self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the condition, and how it impacts a person's life. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed approach to managing adhd adult diagnosis.

In the UK, the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you where to get diagnosis for adhd a specialist to be assessed. You can gp diagnose adhd (this link) speed up the process by asking your GP to use an option that allows you to select your preferred provider.

You will then go through a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. It is always beneficial to bring a friend or family member with you to offer assistance. After your assessment the specialist will present an accurate diagnosis of adhd diagnosis adult and give suggestions for treatment. You should expect your appointment to last for about two sessions.

Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when trying to get an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with should be able to adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.

If your doctor does not determine that you have ADHD the doctor must explain why. It could be because they don't believe you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they believe that other conditions better explain your traits (symptoms). This is okay and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second opinion.

Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals do not understand them. Some doctors may tell that their issues are caused by the lack of effort or that they are lazy or incompetent. It can be frustrating, but be aware that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific evidence.

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

Many people suffering from ADHD are unable to obtain an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to diagnose it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal or think that the person is hiding them. Certain GPs might also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).

In certain instances medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or will assume that the person suffers from anxiety or depression as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and difficult to miss. This can result in inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines which are not effective in treating ADHD.

Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This can be a difficult process because NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then rejected by GPs).

The GP will ask you questions regarding your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider the questions could be about your home, work and family. They will also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first. However, in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a nonstimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.

If you are diagnosed, the clinician will send a letter to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and how that you be treated. This is referred where to get diagnosed with adhd as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors will sign these agreements however, not all will. If your GP does not, you'll be required to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I'm diagnosed but don't want to receive medication or any other treatment?

Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to those for ADHD and anxiety, therefore an expert in mental health can assist in developing a treatment plan that fits the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and could include talk therapy, medicine, or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD can 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 among the peers.

What happens if I want drive?

As the DVLA considers ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it more difficult for you to get your driver's licence. This is only a possibility in the event that your symptoms are having a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily life. This is something that you would need to discuss with your doctor.

In the same way, having ADHD may affect how well you drive, especially when your symptoms include inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. It may be difficult to organize your car or remember to take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, choose to travel with a partner or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle.

As you can see, the Panorama programme gave a very negative and distorted opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have reported to us that they received an diagnosis at private clinics without drug titration. They then had go back to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS and creates a stigma around the condition, which many feel they are being judged for even by their family members.