adult diagnosis adhd may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or by video calls.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that provide inaccurate diagnoses. This could put patients at risk.

What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?


A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and decrease feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the symptoms and how it affects the life of a person. This can result in better relationships and a better understanding of ADHD.

In the UK You should first talk to your GP about why you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert to conduct an assessment. This process will be more efficient If you request your GP to use a scheme which 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 helpful to bring a family member along with you for support. After your assessment the doctor will give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.

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

If your doctor does not identify you as having ADHD the doctor must explain why. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they may believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is okay and should not discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.

One of the most common 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. Some doctors might inform that their issues result from the lack of effort or they're lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but you should remember that these stereotypes aren't supported by evidence from science.

What happens if I disagree?

Many people with ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to diagnose it. Others might dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is hiding them. Some doctors are confused about the distinction between ADHD depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).

Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or believe that they suffer from anxiety or depression disorder as a result. This is particularly challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easy to miss. This can lead to inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.

Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to make an appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then immediately rejected by GPs).

The GP who examines you will be looking to ask some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Depending on the doctor it could include questions about your work, home and family. They will also talk about the different types and strengths of medications available to treat ADHD and which may be best for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medication first but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant drug like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.

When you receive a diagnosis the doctor will send paperwork to your GP which outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is known as a'shared-care agreement'. Certain doctors accept these agreements but not all. If your GP does not, you will need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to undergo medication or another treatment?

A mental health professional can help create a treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior towards other people, or serious violations of social norms and regulations at home, school, or among peers.

What happens if you want to drive?

Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it more difficult to get your driver's licence. However it is only applicable if your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day to day living. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician.

ADHD can also affect your driving in particular if you display impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. In the end you may find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before getting behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, you can opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there is no other person in the car.

As you can see that the Panorama programme gave a very negative and distorted opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration test, but then must go back to their GP and wait in the back of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into the private clinic. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also adds to the stigma that surrounds the condition, which makes many sufferers feel belittled by family members.