ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by their doctor to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video chat.

Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This can put vulnerable people at risk.

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

A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment and help reduce feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the condition, and how it impacts the person's life. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK You should first speak to your GP about the reasons you think you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. adhd diagnosis uk adults will be more efficient if you ask your GP to sign up for a plan that allows you to choose your preferred provider.

The next step is a comprehensive psychotherapy assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the evaluation the specialist will be able to identify ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. Your appointment should last two sessions.


A private diagnosis specialist in adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to obtain a diagnose through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with must still adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.

If your doctor is unable to diagnose you with ADHD, he or she should explain the reason. 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 traits (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking an alternative opinion.

Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand them. They might be told that their problems are the result of not trying to do enough or are lazy or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating, but it is important to remember that these types of myths do not come from research-based evidence.

What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?

Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to diagnose it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or assume the person is masking the symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the distinction between ADHD, depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).

Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD may mistake the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or think that they suffer from anxiety or depression disorder due to it. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to overlook. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants and other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.

Some private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they can take the appointment. This is not always straightforward as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and later rebuffed by GPs) with bogus reasons.

The GP will ask you questions regarding your life and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This can include questions regarding your work, home, and family, depending on the doctor. They will also talk about the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be the best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first. However, in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.

Once you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send you a document to your GP that details the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is known as a "shared care agreement'. Some GPs will accept these agreements however, not all of them. If your GP does not, you'll be required to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I receive a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?

Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to those of ADHD and anxiety, therefore a mental health professional can assist in developing the right treatment plan to meet the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and may include talk therapy or a medication. It could also include lifestyle modifications. Children who suffer from ADHD could be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression towards other people, or serious violations of social norms and guidelines at home, school or with the peers.

What happens if you decide to drive?

The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder to get your driving licence. However this is only the case when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day to day living. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.

In the same way, having ADHD could affect how you drive, especially in the case of inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. You may have difficulty to arrange your car or make sure to take your medication prior to driving. If you are worried about this, you could opt to drive with a passenger or only drive when you know you'll be the only driver in the car.

As you can see that the Panorama programme gave a very biased negative perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. Many adults have told us that they were given a diagnosis in an private clinic with no drug adjustment. They then had to return to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just discredit the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with an illness that many believe they are being judged for, even by their family members.