ADHD Private Diagnosis

A person suffering from ADHD might be referred by their doctor to a private health specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or online via video calls.

Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.

What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?

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

In the UK the first step is to talk with your GP and discuss the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by a specialist. This process will be more efficient If you request your GP to use a scheme which allows you to select your own provider.

The next step is a thorough psychiatric evaluation, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological tests. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment the specialist will be able to determine the cause of ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. The appointment is expected to last between two and three hours.

A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when you attempt to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS. When delivering care to you the healthcare professionals must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.

If your healthcare provider isn't able to determine that you have ADHD you should be told the reasons. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might consider that a different condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly fine and shouldn't stop you from seeking a second opinion.

One of the primary reasons adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical experts. They might be told that their problems are a result of not working to do enough or are incompetent or negligent. This can be very frustrating however it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of stereotypes are not based on evidence from science.

What happens if I do not agree?

Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis adhd adults. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or how to recognize it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or assume that the person is masking them. Some GPs may be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).

Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or think that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder as a result. This can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and difficult to miss. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective.

Certain private adhd diagnosis cost assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This isn't always straightforward, as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred and then promptly batted back by doctors) with bogus reasons.

The GP who assesses you will ask you some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. This may include questions about your work, home and family life, based on the doctor. They will also talk about the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be the best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

Once you have a diagnosis, the clinician will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how they recommend you should be treated. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors will sign these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What is the next step if I am diagnosed but don't want to receive medication or any other treatment?

A mental health professional can create a treatment plan specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and may involve talk therapy or medicine. It could also involve lifestyle modifications. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with adhd with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression toward other people or serious violations of social norms and rules at school, home or in the company of peers.

What is the procedure if I decide to drive?

Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult to obtain your driver's license. However, this is only if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day-to-day living. This is something you would need to discuss with your doctor.

Similarly, having ADHD could affect how you drive in particular when your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. It may be difficult to arrange your car or remember to take your medication before driving. If you are concerned about this, you may opt to drive with a friend or only drive when you know you'll be the only driver in the car.

The negative portrayal by Panorama of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is evident. Many adults have shared with us that they received an assessment in an private clinic with no medication titration. They were then required return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS, it creates a stigma around an illness that many feel they are judged for, even by their family members.