10 Things Everybody Hates About ADHD Private Diagnosis ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult with ADHD may need to be referred by their GP to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video chat.

Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.

What happens if I do not get an appointment?

A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment options and help reduce feelings of self-doubt and confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the symptoms and how it impacts the person's life. This can result in better relationships and a better understanding of ADHD.

In the UK In the UK, first speak to your GP about why you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to a specialist to be assessed. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to use a plan that lets you choose your personal provider.

healthcare provider is to conduct a thorough psychological evaluation, which includes an extensive interview and psychological test. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment an expert will determine the cause of ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last for about two sessions.

A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that can arise when seeking a diagnosis through the NHS. Healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.

If your doctor does not diagnose you with ADHD, he or she must explain why. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is okay and should not discourage you from seeking a different opinion.


Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. Some doctors might inform that their issues result from an inability to work or they're lazy or negligent. This can be extremely disappointing, but it is important to keep in mind that these myths do not come from evidence from science.

What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?

Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not understand the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or think that the patient is hiding the signs. Some doctors may be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health conditions such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).

Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may mistake the person's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD or believe that they are suffering from anxiety or depression disorder as a result. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to miss. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective.

Some private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation 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 ADHD assessments are referred and then promptly batted back by doctors) on bogus grounds.

The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This may include questions about your work, home and family life, based on the provider. They will also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be most suitable for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications but if they find it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

When you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send paperwork to your GP that outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements, but not all. If your GP doesn't, you will be required to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

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

A mental health professional can develop a treatment plan that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is essential and may involve talk therapy or a medication. It could also involve lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD could be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression towards others or serious violations of social norms and regulations at home, school, or among friends.

What happens if you decide to drive?

The DVLA defines ADHD as a disability. This can make it difficult for you to obtain your driving license. This is only a possibility in the event that your symptoms are having a an ongoing and significant impact on your life. This is something that you should discuss with your physician.

Similar to having ADHD could affect how you perform when driving in particular if your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. In the end, you might find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take your medication before getting behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, you may opt to drive with a friend or only drive when you'll be driving on your own in the car.

The negative image of Panorama's private health care in ADHD assessments is apparent. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without drug titration, but they are required to return to their GP and wait in the back of the line for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked' in to the private clinic. This not only discredits the NHS but also adds to the stigma associated with the condition, which makes many sufferers are that they are judged, even by family members.