14 Questions You're Anxious To Ask ADHD Private Diagnosis ADHD Private Diagnosis


An adult suffering from ADHD might be referred by a GP to a private healthcare specialist to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video calls.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that give incorrect diagnoses. This can put vulnerable people at risk.

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

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

In the UK The first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment by an expert. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to sign up for an option that allows you to select your personal provider.

Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. Bring how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult to the appointment 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 in adhd can help you avoid the pitfalls of trying to get an appointment through the NHS. When providing care to you, the healthcare professionals should follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.

If your doctor doesn't identify you as having ADHD the doctor must explain why. It may be that they don't believe that you meet the criteria for this disorder, or that they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). This is totally acceptable and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an additional opinion.

Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals do not understand them. They may be told their problems are the result of not trying hard enough or that they are incompetent or negligent. This can be extremely disappointing, but it is important to remember that these stereotypes are not based on evidence from science.

What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?

Many people suffering from ADHD are unable to obtain a diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to diagnose it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is hiding them. Some GPs are also confused about the distinction between ADHD, depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms).

In some instances, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or assume that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. Women suffering from ADHD are often difficult to diagnose because their symptoms tend to be less obvious and harder to detect. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that aren't effective.

Certain private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to, and then promptly rejected by the GPs).

The GP who assesses you will be looking to ask some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This may include questions about your home, work, and family, depending on the service provider. They will also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. In general, doctors will test stimulant medication first but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.

Once you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send paperwork to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. 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 get a diagnosis but don't want to take medication?

Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are the same as those of ADHD and anxiety, therefore a mental health professional can help develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and could 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 rules and social norms at home, school or with friends.

What happens if you decide to drive?

As the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having the condition can make it more difficult for you to obtain your driver's license. However, this is only when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day to day living. This is something you would need to discuss 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 organise your car, or remember to take your medication before driving. If you're worried about this, you can opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no other person in the car.

As you can see it, the Panorama program provided a negative and distorted opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they received an assessment in a private clinic without any drug titration. They had to return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS but also adds to the stigma of the condition, which many think they are judged by even by their family members.