The ADHD Private Diagnosis Success Story You'll Never Imagine ADHD Private Diagnosis

A doctor may refer an adult with ADHD to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or online through video call.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that offer inaccurate diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.

What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?

A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and can aid in reducing feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members better understand the condition and how it impacts a person's daily life. This can result in stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK, the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss why you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment by a specialist. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to use the plan that lets you select your preferred provider.

The next step is a thorough psychological assessment, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological tests. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After the evaluation the specialist will be able to determine the cause of ADHD and make treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last for about two sessions.

Finding a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when seeking an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work 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 isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD, they should explain why. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and should not discourage you from seeking a second opinion.

One of the most common reasons that adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical professionals. They might be told that their problems are the result of not trying hard enough or that they are negligent or lazy. It can be difficult, but remember that these stereotypes are not supported by evidence from science.

What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?

Many people with ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal or think that the person is hiding them. Some GPs may also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).

Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or believe that they suffer from anxiety or depression disorder as a result. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to overlook. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that are not effective.

Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to make an appointment. This process is not always straightforward as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to and then immediately batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.

The GP who examines you will be looking to inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. Based on the provider the questions could be about your home, work and family. They will also talk about the different types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD, and what may be the best for you. Most clinicians will suggest stimulant medication however if they don't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

If you are diagnosed and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which that you be treated. This 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 be required to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I am diagnosed but do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?

Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are similar to those for ADHD and anxiety, therefore a mental health professional can assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and may include talk therapy or medicine. It could also involve lifestyle adjustments. Children suffering from ADHD could also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion toward other people or serious infringements of social norms and regulations at school, home or with the peers.

What happens if you decide to drive?

The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This can make it more difficult for you to obtain your driving licence. This only applies if your symptoms are having a long-term and significant impact on your life. You would need to discuss this with your doctor.


Similar to having ADHD can affect how you drive, especially in the case of an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. As a result you may find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If adhd uk diagnosis concerned about this, you can opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.

As you can see, the Panorama program provided a biased negative view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration test, but they are required to return to their GP and stand at the back of the queue for an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also increases the stigma that surrounds a condition that makes many sufferers feel that they are judged, even by family members.