ADHD Private Diagnosis<br /><br />A doctor may refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a private healthcare specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video calls.<br /><br />The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that offer inaccurate diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk.<br /><br />What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?<br /><br />A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment and help reduce feelings of confusion and self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members better comprehend the condition and how it impacts a person's daily life. This can lead to better relationships and a better approach to managing ADHD.<br /><br />In the UK, you should first talk to your GP about why you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to an expert for an assessment. You can speed up the process by asking your GP to sign up for the plan that lets you select your preferred provider.<br /><br />The next step is to conduct a thorough psychotherapy assessment, which includes a detailed interview and psychological test. Bring a family member along is always beneficial. After your assessment the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions.<br /><br />Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist will help you avoid pitfalls that could arise when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. When providing care to you healthcare professionals, they must follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines.<br /><br />If your doctor doesn't diagnose you with ADHD the doctor should explain why. It could be that they don't believe you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they think an alternative condition is more likely to explain your characteristics (symptoms). This is okay and shouldn't deter you from seeking an alternative opinion.<br /><br />Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. They may be told their issues are the result of not trying hard enough or are incompetent or negligent. It can be difficult, but be aware that these stereotypes are not supported by evidence from science.<br /><br />What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis?<br /><br />Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting a diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not understand what it is or how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or assume the person is hiding the signs. Some GPs may be confused by the difference between ADHD and other mental health conditions like depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can present with similar symptoms).<br /><br />In certain instances, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD will confuse the person's behavior with their unmanaged ADHD or may assume that the person suffers from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD may be difficult to recognize because their symptoms are typically more subtle and difficult to detect. This confusion could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms using antidepressants or other medicines which are not effective in treating ADHD.<br /><br /><br /><br />Certain private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to make an appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessment are referred, and then immediately rejected by GPs).<br /><br /><a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/">adult adhd diagnosis uk iampsychiatry.uk</a> who evaluates you will want to ask you some questions about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms impact on it. This could include questions about your home, work, and family, depending on the provider. They'll also discuss the various kinds 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 in the event that this doesn't work for you, then a non-stimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested.<br /><br />Once you've been diagnosed and the doctor will send a letter 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". Some GPs will accept these agreements however, not all of them. If your GP does not, you'll have to continue paying privately for appointments and prescriptions.<br /><br />What happens if I am diagnosed but don't want to take medication or other treatment?<br /><br />A mental health professional can help create a treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs. Early treatment is vital and could include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression toward other people or severe violations of rules and social norms at school, home or in the company of peers.<br /><br />What happens if you want to drive?<br /><br />Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it harder for you to obtain your driver's license. This only applies in the event that your symptoms are having a an extended and significant impact on your daily routine. You should discuss this with your physician.<br /><br />Similarly, having ADHD may affect how well you drive in particular if your symptoms include an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. In the end you could find you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're worried about this, you may choose to drive with a friend or only drive when you are certain you will be alone in the car.<br /><br />Panorama's negative portrayal of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is evident. Many adults have shared with us that they were given an assessment in an private clinic with no medication titration. They had go back to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't just discredit the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with the condition, which many believe they are being judged for, even by their own family.<br /><br />