7 Things About ADHD Private Diagnosis You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

ADHD Private Diagnosis

A person suffering from ADHD might be referred by their doctor to a private health professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video calls.

The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that give unreliable diagnoses. This could put patients at risk.

What happens if I don't receive an appointment?

A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and reduce anxiety or self-doubt. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the condition, and how it affects a person's life. This can lead to better 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 reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment with an expert. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select an option that lets you select your own provider.

The next step is a comprehensive psychological evaluation, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological tests. A family member or friend along is always beneficial. After your evaluation the specialist will present a clear diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. You should expect your appointment to last between two and three hours.

A diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that could arise when trying to get an appointment with the NHS. When delivering care to you, the healthcare professionals should remain in line with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.


If your healthcare provider doesn't believe you have ADHD you should be told the reasons. It could be that they don't believe that you meet their criteria for the disorder, or they believe that other conditions better explain your behavior (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't deter you from seeking an additional opinion.

Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals do not understand their symptoms. They might be told that their issues are the result of not trying hard enough or are negligent or lazy. It can be frustrating, but you should remember that these myths aren't supported by evidence from science.

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

Many people suffering from ADHD are unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not understand the nature of the condition or how to recognize it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or think that the patient is concealing the symptoms. Some doctors may also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms).

Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD or think that they suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easier to miss. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective.

Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This isn't always straightforward, as NHS GPs are able to bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then promptly batted back by GPs) on spurious grounds.

The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the doctor the questions could be about your home, work and family. They will also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be most suitable for you. Typically, doctors will look at stimulant medications first, but should this not work for you then a nonstimulant medication such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.

If adhd diagnosis uk adults are diagnosed the doctor will send a letter to your GP which outlines the diagnosis and 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 agree with these agreements, you will still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions.

What is the next step if I am diagnosed but don't want to take medication or other treatment?

A mental health professional can create a treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is crucial and may involve talk therapy or a medication. It could also include lifestyle modifications. Children suffering from ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggression or aversion towards other people or serious violations of social norms and guidelines at home, school or with peers.

What happens if you want to drive?

As the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it more difficult for you to get your driver's license. However this is only the case in the event that your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your daily living. This is something that you would need to discuss with your physician.

ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show inattention and unstable driving habits. It may be difficult to organise your car, or make sure to take your medication before driving. If you're concerned about this, you can opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there's no one else in the car.

As you can see, the Panorama program provided a biased negative view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without drug titration, but then must go back to their GP and stand at the back of the queue for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked' in to a private clinic. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS but also adds to the stigma of a condition that many people feel they are judged by, even by their own family.

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Pub: 23 Apr 2024 20:17 UTC
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