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5 Things That Everyone Doesn't Know Regarding ADHD Private Diagnosis
ADHD Private Diagnosis

A doctor can refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare professional for an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video calls.

Panorama A BBC investigation has revealed that certain clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This puts patients at risk.

What happens if I don't get an appointment?

A medical diagnosis can provide you treatment options and help reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members to know the symptoms and how it impacts the daily activities of a person. This can lead to stronger relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD.

In the UK the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by an expert. This process will be faster if you ask your GP to refer you to a scheme that allows you to choose your own provider.

You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. It is always helpful to bring a family member along with you for assistance. After your evaluation the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment should last for 2 sessions.

Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when seeking an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. If you are receiving treatment healthcare professionals, they must follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.

If your doctor isn't able to determine that you have ADHD, they should explain the reason. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. adhd diagnose is fine 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 do not understand their symptoms. They may be told their problems are a result of not working to do enough or are negligent or lazy. This can be very frustrating, but it is important to keep in mind that these kinds of myths do not come from evidence from science.

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

Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting an diagnosis. Some doctors might not be aware of the condition or know how to diagnose it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is hiding the symptoms. Some GPs may be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health disorders like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).

Some medical professionals who aren't familiar with ADHD might mistake the patient's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD, or assume that they are suffering from depression or anxiety disorder due to it. This can be particularly difficult for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to overlook. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective.

Some private assessment providers will require a written consent from your GP before they will bring your appointment. This isn't always easy as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and later rebuffed by GPs) on bogus grounds.

The GP will ask you questions regarding your life, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your work, home and family, based on the provider. They will also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be the best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medications, but if it doesn't work for you, they may suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine.

If you are diagnosed, the clinician will write to your GP with a document that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which that you be treated. This is referred to as a "shared care agreement". Certain doctors accept these agreements, but not all. If your GP doesn't, you will have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.

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

A mental health professional can help develop a treatment plan that is tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and could consist of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards others or severe violations of social norms and rules at school, at home, or among friends.

What happens if I want to drive?

The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult to get your driving licence. This only applies when your symptoms have a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily life. You should discuss this with your physician.

In the same way, having ADHD could affect how you perform when driving particularly in the case of inattention or unpredictable driving behavior. In the end, you might find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, you could opt to drive with a friend or only drive when you are certain you'll be the only driver in the car.


The negative image of Panorama's private healthcare in ADHD assessments is clear. Many adults have reported to us that they had received a diagnosis in an private clinic with no medication titration. They then had to return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS and increases the stigma associated with a condition that many people feel they are judged for, even by their own family.

Here's my website: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/