ADHD Private Diagnosis

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

The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that give unreliable diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.

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

A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and decrease feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the disorder and testing how it impacts a person's life. This can result in stronger relationships and a better approach to managing adhd diagnosis for adults.

In the UK, you should first speak to your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an evaluation with an expert. This process will be quicker if you ask your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your personal provider.

You will then go through an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. It is always helpful to bring a friend or family member with to provide support. After your assessment the doctor will give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.

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

If your doctor does not determine that you have adhd diagnosis uk adults then he or she must explain why. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.

One of the main reasons why adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. Some doctors may tell them that their troubles are caused by the lack of effort or that they are lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but keep in mind that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific evidence.

What happens if I don't agree?

Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or know how to recognize it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is hiding the symptoms. Some doctors may be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).

In certain instances medical professionals who are not familiar with ADHD might confuse the person's behaviour with their unmanaged ADHD or will believe that the patient suffers from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may be difficult to identify because their symptoms tend to be subtler and more difficult to detect. This can lead to inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.

Some private assessment companies will require a written consent from your GP before they will take you on for an appointment. This process is not always straightforward, as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then promptly batted back by GPs) on bogus grounds.

The GP who assesses you will ask some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This could include questions about your job, home, and family, depending on the service provider. They will also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be most suitable for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medication first but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.

Once you've been diagnosed, the clinician will write to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which 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 doesn't accept these agreements, you will still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I am diagnosed but do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?

A mental health professional can help create a treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and could include therapy or medication. It could also include lifestyle modifications. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or serious violations of rules and social norms at school, home or with friends.

What happens if you decide to drive?

As the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult to obtain your driver's license. However, this is only in the event that your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something you would need to discuss with your doctor.

ADHD can also affect your driving performance in particular if you display inattention and unstable driving habits. As a result you may find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you are concerned about this, you may choose to drive with a passenger or only drive when you will be alone in the car.

As you can see that the Panorama program provided a negative and biased view of private care for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they received an assessment in private clinics without drug adjustment. They then had go back to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't just discredit the NHS, it increases the stigma associated with a condition that many people believe they are being judged for, even by their own family.