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 call.

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

What happens if I do not receive an appointment?

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 know the symptoms and how it affects the daily activities of a person. This can lead to stronger relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK You should first talk to your GP about the reasons you think you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you for an assessment with a specialist. This process will be more efficient if you ask your GP to use a scheme which allows you to select your personal provider.

Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After the assessment the doctor will give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.

Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should be able to adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.

If your doctor isn't able to determine that you have ADHD you should be told why. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they may consider that a different condition could 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. Certain doctors might tell them that their problems are due to the lack of effort or that they're lazy or incompetent. This can be extremely disappointing However, it is important to keep in mind that these types of stereotypes are not based on research-based evidence.

What happens if I disagree?

Many people with ADHD struggle to receive a diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to diagnose adults with adhd to identify it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is hiding these symptoms. Some GPs are also confused about the distinction between ADHD, depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms).

In some instances medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD might confuse the person's behavior with their uncontrolled ADHD or may assume that the person suffers from anxiety or depression due to their unmanaged ADHD. Women with ADHD can find it difficult to recognize because their symptoms tend to be subtler and more difficult to recognize. This can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.

Some private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule 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 to GPs and then immediately batted back by GPs) on spurious grounds.

The GP who examines you will be looking to inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact it. Based on the provider the questions could be about your work, home and family. They will also go over the different types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medication first but in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a nonstimulant drug such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.

If you are diagnosed, your clinician will send a letter to your GP that outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still have 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 lot of the symptoms of anxiety and depression are similar to those of ADHD, so a mental health professional can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is vital and may include therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments. Children suffering from ADHD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards others or serious violations of social norms and regulations at home, school or with peers.

What happens if I want to drive?

Since the DVLA is adamant about adhd diagnosis in adults as a disability, having this condition could make it harder for you to obtain your driver's license. However this is only the case in the event that your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day-to-day living. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician.

ADHD can also affect your driving, especially if you exhibit an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. In the end you may find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before you get diagnosed for adhd behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, you may choose to drive with a friend or only drive when you are certain you'll be driving on your own in the car.

As you can see it, the Panorama program provided a biased negative opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they were given a diagnosis in private clinics without medication adjustment. They then had to return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This not only discredits the NHS but also contributes to the stigma surrounding the condition, which makes many sufferers feel belittled by their family members.