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Three Reasons Why You're ADHD Private Diagnosis Is Broken (And How To Fix It)
ADHD Private Diagnosis

A doctor can recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person or via video calls.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that offer incorrect diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk.

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

A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment and help reduce feelings of self-doubt and confusion. Having a diagnosis also helps family members better understand the condition and how it impacts the person's daily routine. This can lead to stronger relationships as well as a more educated approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK the first step is to speak with your GP and discuss the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an evaluation with an expert. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to sign up for an option that lets you choose your preferred provider.

The next step is a thorough psychological assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After your evaluation the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.

A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that could arise when seeking 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 doctor doesn't believe you suffer from ADHD They should be able to explain 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 totally acceptable and shouldn't deter you from seeking an alternative 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 troubles are caused by the lack of effort or that they are lazy or incompetent. This can be very frustrating however it is important to remember that these types of myths do not come from evidence from science.

What happens if I don't agree?

Many people with ADHD struggle to get an diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition, or even how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or believe that the patient is masking the symptoms. Some doctors may also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health issues like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with similar symptoms).

In certain instances, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD will confuse the person's behaviour with their uncontrolled ADHD or believe that the patient is suffering from anxiety or depression because of their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may be difficult to recognize because their symptoms tend to be less obvious and harder to identify. This can result in inappropriate treatment of symptoms with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD.

Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to schedule an appointment. This can be a difficult process due to the fact that NHS GPs might not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then rejected by doctors).

The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider, this can include questions about your home, work and family. They'll also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be the best for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medication first but if this doesn't suit you then a nonstimulant drug like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride might be recommended.

If you are diagnosed, your clinician will send you a document to your GP that outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Some GPs will accept these agreements, but not all of them. If your GP does not, you'll need to continue to pay privately for your appointments and prescriptions.

What is the next step if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to receive medication or any other treatment?

A mental health professional can assist create a treatment plan specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and could include therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD could also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. how to get diagnosed with adhd uk is a pattern or aggression towards others or serious infringements of social norms and guidelines at school, home or in the company of friends.

What happens if I want to drive?

The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it harder for you to obtain your driving licence. This is only a possibility when your symptoms have a an extended and significant impact on your daily routine. You should discuss this with your physician.

Similar to having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving, especially in the case of impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. It may be difficult to organize your car or ensure that you take your medication before driving. If you're worried about this, you may opt to drive with a friend or only drive when you know you will be alone in the car.

As you can see it, the Panorama programme gave a very biased negative opinion of private healthcare for ADHD assessments. We hear from a lot of adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but they are required to return to their GP and wait at the back of the queue to undergo an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked into the private clinic. This doesn't only discredit the NHS and increases the stigma associated with an illness that many think they are being judged for even by their family members.

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