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Why We Love ADHD Private Diagnosis (And You Should Also!)
ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult suffering from ADHD might need to be referred by a GP to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video chat.

Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This puts patients at risk.

What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?

A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and help reduce feelings of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members comprehend the condition and how it affects a person's daily life. This can result in better relationships and a better understanding of ADHD.

In the UK You should first speak to your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. This process will be more efficient if you ask your GP to sign up for a plan which allows you to select your preferred provider.

The next step is a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. It is always helpful to bring a family member along with you to offer support. After your assessment an expert will identify ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last around two sessions.

Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that could arise when seeking an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with must still follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you.

If your healthcare provider isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD you should be told why. It could be because they don't believe that you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they think an alternative condition is more likely to explain your behavior (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second 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 caused by a lack of effort or that they're lazy or negligent. This can be extremely frustrating, but it is important to remember that these myths do not come from evidence from science.

What happens if I don't agree with the diagnosis?

Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to diagnose it. Others may dismiss the symptoms as normal or believe that the person is masking the symptoms. Some doctors may also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone experiences depression at times) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).


In some cases medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with that of their uncontrolled ADHD or assume that the person suffers from anxiety or depression as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. Women with ADHD may be difficult to identify because their symptoms are typically less obvious and harder to identify. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD.

Some private assessment companies will require a written consent from your GP before they can take the appointment. This isn't always straightforward, as NHS doctors can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to and then immediately batted back by GPs) with bogus reasons.

The GP who assesses you will ask some questions about your life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the doctor, this can include questions about your home, work and family. They'll also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medication first but in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested.

Once you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send paperwork to your GP that details the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is known as a'shared-care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements however not all will. If your GP does not accept these agreements, you'll still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What happens if I receive a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication?

private adhd diagnosis uk cost of the signs of depression and anxiety are similar to the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the individual needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and could include therapy or a medication. It may also require lifestyle adjustments. Children suffering from ADHD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression towards others or serious infringements of social norms and guidelines at school, home, or among peers.

What happens if I want drive?

The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult to get your driving licence. This only applies in the event that your symptoms are having a a long-term and significant impact on your life. This is something that you'll need to discuss with your physician.

Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you drive in particular in the case of impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. You may find it difficult to organize your car or remember to take your medication before driving. If you are concerned about this, you could opt to drive with a passenger or only drive when 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 had received a diagnosis in private clinics without medication adjustment. They had return to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also contributes to the stigma that surrounds a condition that makes many sufferers feel judged, even by their family members.

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