ADHD Private Diagnosis

A doctor can refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or online through video chat.

Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.

What happens if I do not get an appointment?

A medical diagnosis can provide you treatment options and help reduce anxiety or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members to understand the condition and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can lead to stronger relationships as well as a more educated approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK, you should first speak to your GP about the reason you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select the plan that allows you to select your preferred provider.

You will then go through a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. It is always beneficial to bring a family member with to provide assistance. After your assessment the specialist will present a clear diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment is expected to last around two sessions.

A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to get an diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.

If your healthcare provider does not find that you have ADHD you should be told why. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second opinion.

Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand their symptoms. They might be told that their problems are a result of not trying hard enough or are negligent or lazy. It can be difficult, but keep in mind that these stereotypes aren't supported by evidence from science.

What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?

Many people with ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness 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 assume that the person is hiding the symptoms. Certain GPs might also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).

Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD, or assume that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. This is particularly challenging for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and difficult to overlook. This can result in inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.

Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This process can be complicated due to the fact that NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to, and then rejected by doctors).

adhd diagnosis uk adults will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the provider, this can include questions about your work, home and family. They will also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medications but if they find it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

When you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send a letter to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. adhd uk diagnosis is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs will accept these agreements however not all will. If your GP does not, you'll have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I'm diagnosed but don't want to undergo medication or another treatment?

A mental health professional can assist to develop a treatment program that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or a medication. It may also require lifestyle adjustments. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at school, at home or with peers.


What happens if I want to drive?

The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This can make it harder for you to obtain your driving licence. However it is only applicable if your symptoms have a significant and 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 inattention and unstable driving habits. In the end, you might 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, choose to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.

As you can see that the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration test, but then must go back to their GP and stand at the back of the queue for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into the private clinic. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also increases the stigma surrounding a condition that makes many people feel judged, even by family members.