3 Reasons The Reasons For Your ADHD Private Diagnosis Is Broken And How To Fix It

ADHD Private Diagnosis

An adult with ADHD might need to be referred by their GP to a private healthcare professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done in person or online through video call.

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

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

diagnosis for adhd can provide you treatment options and help reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the condition, and how it impacts a person's life. This could lead to better communication and a better management of 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 be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to conduct an assessment. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to sign up for a plan which allows you to select your own provider.

The next step is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological tests. Bring a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After the evaluation, a specialist will diagnose ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. You should expect your appointment to last around two sessions.

Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that could arise when seeking an appointment with the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should still follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when they provide care to you.

If your doctor is unable to diagnose you with ADHD then he or she should explain the reason. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they may believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion.

One of the most common reasons why adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical experts. They may be told that their problems are a result of not trying hard enough or are lazy or negligent. This can be very frustrating, but it is important to remember that these kinds of myths do not come from evidence from science.

What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?

Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting an diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to recognize it. Some might ignore the signs or believe that the patient is hiding the signs. Some doctors may also be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health disorders like depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which may present with the same symptoms).

In some instances, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or will assume that the person suffers from anxiety or depression because of their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and difficult to miss. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants and other medications that are not effective.


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

The GP will ask you questions about your life and how ADHD symptoms impact it. Depending on the doctor it could include questions about your work, home and family. They will also discuss the different types and strengths of medication that are available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best for you. Most clinicians will recommend stimulant medication but if they find it doesn't work for you, they might 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 how they recommend you should be treated. This is known as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors accept these agreements but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still have 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 assist to develop a treatment program that is specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and may involve talk therapy or medication. It could also involve lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression toward other people or serious violations of rules and social norms at home, school or with peers.

What happens if you want to drive?

As the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having this condition can make it more difficult for you to get your driver's licence. This is only a possibility when your symptoms have a an ongoing and significant impact on your daily routine. You should discuss this with your physician.

Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving in particular when your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. In the end you may find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you are concerned about this, you can opt to drive with a friend or only drive when you are certain you'll be the only driver in the car.

Panorama's negative portrayal of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration, and then must return to their GP and wait in the back of the line for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into a private clinic. This does not just discredit the NHS but also adds to the stigma associated with a condition that makes many sufferers are judged, even by family members.

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Pub: 01 Apr 2024 14:42 UTC
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