10 Myths Your Boss Has Regarding ADHD Private Diagnosis
ADHD Private Diagnosis
A person suffering from ADHD may need to be referred by a GP to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or via video chat.
Panorama, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment options and aid in reducing feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the disorder and how it affects the person's life. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.
In the UK, the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reasons you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select a plan that lets you choose your own provider.
The next step is to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the evaluation, a specialist will identify ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last between two and three hours.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when trying to get an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. If you are receiving treatment, the healthcare professionals should remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.
If your doctor is unable to determine that you have ADHD then he or she must explain why. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might think that another condition would better explain your symptoms.
intervention plan is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking a different opinion.
One of the most common reasons that adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their doctor or other medical experts. Certain doctors might tell that their issues result from an inability to work or they're lazy or incompetent. This can be extremely frustrating however it is important to remember that these types of myths do not come from scientific evidence.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people with ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not know what it is or how to diagnose it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is hiding them. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone gets 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 believe that they are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder as a result. Women who suffer from ADHD can find it difficult to recognize because their symptoms are typically more subtle and difficult to recognize. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that are not effective.
Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to set up an appointment. This procedure can be difficult because NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then rejected by GPs).
The GP who assesses you will be looking to ask some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Depending on the provider, this can include questions about your work, home and family. They will also go over the various strengths and types of medications available to treat ADHD, and what may be best for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medications first, but should this not work for you then a non-stimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.
Once you've been diagnosed the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how they recommend that you be treated. This is called a "shared care agreement". Some GPs will accept these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP does not, you will have to continue paying 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 assist to develop a treatment program that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or a medication. It may also require lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD could be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression toward other people or serious infringements of social norms and rules at school, home or with peers.
What happens if I want drive?

The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult to get your driving license. However this is only the case if your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician.
ADHD can also affect your driving performance, especially if you exhibit inattention and unstable driving habits. You may find it difficult to organize your car or make sure to take your medication before driving. If you're worried about this, choose to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.
As you can see, the Panorama program provided a negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration, and then have to return to their GP and stand at the back of the line for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also contributes to the stigma associated with a condition that makes many people feel that they are judged, even by their family members.