ADHD Private Diagnosis
A doctor can recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person or by video chat.
Panorama A BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics give unreliable diagnosis. This could put patients at risk.
What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment?
A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment options and help reduce feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members better know the symptoms and
How To Get Diagnosed With Adult Add it affects a person's daily life. This could lead to better communication and a more informed management of
adhd diagnosed in adulthood.
In the
uk diagnosis adhd, you should first talk to your GP about the reasons you think you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an assessment by a specialist. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select a plan that allows you to select your personal provider.
The next step is a thorough psychiatric assessment, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological test. A family member or friend to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment the specialist will present an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last between two and three hours.
Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should still follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.
If your doctor does not diagnose you with ADHD then he or she must explain why. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable and shouldn't stop you from seeking a second opinion.
Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals do not understand them. Certain doctors might tell them that their troubles are caused by 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 kinds of myths do not come from research-based evidence.
What happens if I do not agree?
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to diagnose it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or think that the patient is concealing the 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).
Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or believe that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder as a result. Women with ADHD are often difficult to recognize because their symptoms tend to be more subtle and difficult 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 procedure can be difficult because NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then promptly rejected by GPs).
The GP will ask you questions about your life and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the doctor it could include questions about your home, work and family. They'll also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medication first but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant drug like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.
If you are diagnosed and the doctor will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and the way in which you should be treated. This is referred to as a'shared-care agreement'. Certain doctors will sign these agreements however, not all of them. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.
What happens if I'm diagnosed but do not want to take medication or other treatment?
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are the same as the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, therefore a mental health professional can help develop a treatment plan that fits the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is essential and could consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression toward other people, or serious violations of social norms and regulations at school, home, or among the peers.
What happens if you want to drive?
The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult to get your driving licence. However, this is only when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. You would need to discuss this with your doctor.
In the same way, having ADHD may affect
how to get diagnosed with adhd in adults well you drive particularly if your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. In the end, you might find that you struggle with organizing your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're concerned about this, choose to travel with a partner or only drive when there is no anyone else in the vehicle.

The negative image of Panorama's private health care in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from a lot of adults who receive a diagnosis without drug titration, but then must return to their GP and wait at the end of the line for an NHS assessment due to
being diagnosed with adhd as an adult'sneaked into a private clinic. This doesn't only discredit the NHS but also adds to the stigma of the condition, which many feel they are judged for even by their family members.