10 Things Everybody Hates About ADHD Private Diagnosis ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by a GP to a private healthcare professional to conduct an assessment. adhd diagnosis uk adults can be done in person or online via video calls.


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 help you reduce the feeling of anxiety and self-doubt. Having a diagnosis also helps family members understand the condition and how it affects the person's daily routine. This can result in better relationships and a better management of ADHD.

In the UK You should first speak to your GP about why you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment with an expert. This process will be faster when you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that lets you choose your own provider.

You will then undergo a thorough psychiatric assessment that includes a detailed clinical interview and psychological testing. Bringing a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.

Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when seeking an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with must still adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.

If your doctor does not find that you suffer from ADHD you should be told the reason. It may be that they don't believe that you meet their criteria for the disorder, or they believe other conditions better explain your traits (symptoms). This is okay and should not discourage you from seeking a different opinion.

Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals do not understand them. They might be told that their issues are the result of not trying to do enough or are negligent or lazy. 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 with the diagnosis?

Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to diagnose it. Some might ignore the signs or assume the person is hiding the signs. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD, depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which can exhibit similar symptoms).

In some cases medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD may confuse the patient's behaviour with their uncontrolled ADHD or may think that the person is suffering from anxiety or depression as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. This can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easier to miss. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD by taking antidepressants as well as other medications that are not effective.

Some private assessment companies will require a written consent from your GP before they will bring your appointment. This procedure can be difficult due to the fact that 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 ask you some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your home, work and family, based on the doctor. They will also go over the various types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first, but should this not work for you then a non-stimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.

If you are diagnosed and the doctor will write to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which you should be treated. This is referred to as a'shared-care agreement'. Some GPs accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP does not, you'll need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I receive an illness but don't want to take medication?

Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are the same as those for ADHD and anxiety, therefore a mental health professional can assist in developing a treatment plan that fits the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a pattern of aggression towards others or serious violations of social norms and rules at school, home or with friends.

What happens if you want to drive?

The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult to get your driving licence. This is only a possibility when your symptoms have a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily routine. It is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.

ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. You may find it difficult to organize your car or remember to take your medication before driving. If you are worried about this, you could decide to drive with a friend or only drive when you will be alone in the car.

As you can see, the Panorama program gave a highly negative and biased opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they received an assessment in a private clinic without any medication adjustment. They then had to return to their GP to wait in line for an NHS assessment. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with a condition for which many sufferers are that they are judged, even by family members.