ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult with ADHD might be referred by a GP to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done either in person or 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 don't get an appointment?

A medical diagnosis can give you access to treatment and can help reduce feelings of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the condition, and how it affects the person's life. This can result in better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD.

In the UK In the UK, first speak to your GP about the reasons you think you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to use the plan that lets you choose your personal provider.

You will then go through an extensive psychiatric evaluation that includes a thorough psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. Bring a family member along is always beneficial. After the assessment the specialist will be able to identify ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last around two sessions.

A private diagnosis specialist for adhd can help you avoid the traps of trying to obtain an appointment through the NHS. When delivering care to you the healthcare professionals must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.

If your doctor does not find that you have ADHD you should be told why. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion.

One of the most common reasons why adults struggle to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical professionals. Some doctors might inform them that their problems result from a lack of effort or they're lazy or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating however it is important to remember that these types of stereotypes are not based on evidence from science.

What happens if I don't agree?


Many people with ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to identify it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is masking these symptoms. Certain GPs might be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).

In some cases, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behaviour with their uncontrolled ADHD or believe that the patient is suffering from anxiety or depression due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women with ADHD may be difficult to recognize because their symptoms are typically less obvious and harder to detect. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms using antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD.

Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This isn't always straightforward, as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and later rebuffed by GPs) with bogus reasons.

The GP who evaluates you will ask you some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This may include questions about your work, home and family life, based on the doctor. They will also talk about the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medications but if they find it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

If you are diagnosed your doctor will then send a letter to your GP that details the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is known as a'shared-care agreement'. Some GPs accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not agree with these agreements, you'll still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

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

A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can assist in developing the right treatment plan to meet the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and may consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD may also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior towards others, or serious violations of social norms and regulations at school, home or with peers.

What happens if I want to drive?

As you can check here is adamant about ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult to get your driver's license. This only applies in the event that your symptoms are having a a long-term and significant impact on your life. You should discuss this with your physician.

ADHD can also affect your driving performance in particular if you display inattention and unstable driving habits. You may find it difficult to organize your car or remember to take your medication prior to driving. If you're concerned about this, opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there is no anyone else in the vehicle.

As you can see that the Panorama program provided a negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration test, but then have to return to their GP and wait in the back of the line for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into an private clinic. This doesn't only discredit the NHS, it adds to the stigma of a condition that many people feel they are being judged for even by their family members.