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ADHD Private Diagnosis A doctor may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video calls. Panorama A BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics provide inaccurate diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk. What happens if I don't have a diagnosis? A professional diagnosis will give you access to treatment and can aid in reducing feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. A diagnosis can also help family members to know the symptoms and how it affects a person's daily life. 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 why you think you have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment with a specialist. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to select the plan that lets you choose your preferred provider. Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation which includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. Bringing a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your evaluation, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. Your appointment should last two sessions. Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that can arise when seeking a diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you collaborate with should be able to follow evidence-based practices and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you. If your doctor doesn't diagnose you with ADHD, he or she must explain why. It could be because they don't believe that you meet the criteria for the disorder, or that they think an alternative condition is more likely to explain your traits (symptoms). This is perfectly fine and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second opinion. One of the main reasons why adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical experts. They may be told that their issues are the result of not working hard enough or are negligent or lazy. It can be difficult, but keep in mind that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific research. What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis? Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors have a lack of awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to recognize it. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may dismiss the symptoms as normal or think that the person is hiding these symptoms. Some GPs may be confused by the differences between ADHD and other mental health disorders such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms). In some cases, medical staff who aren't familiar with ADHD might confuse the person's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or think that the person suffers from depression or anxiety because of their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easier to miss. This can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms using antidepressants and other medications which are not effective in treating ADHD. Certain private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to schedule an appointment. This isn't always easy as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and later rebuffed by doctors) on spurious grounds. The GP will ask you questions about your life and how ADHD symptoms affect it. This could include questions about your home, work and family, based on the service provider. They'll also discuss the various kinds of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be most suitable 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 such as Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested. When you receive a diagnosis your doctor will then send a letter to your GP that details the diagnosis and recommended treatment. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Some GPs will accept these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP does not, you'll have to continue paying privately for your appointments and prescriptions. What happens if I am given a diagnosis, but don't wish to take medication? Many of the signs of depression and anxiety are the same as those of ADHD, so a mental health professional can assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan that meets the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or medication. It may also require lifestyle adjustments. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or severe violations of social norms and rules at school, at home or in the company of friends. What happens if you decide to drive? The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This could make it difficult for you to obtain your driving license. This is only applicable if your symptoms are having a long-term and significant impact on your life. This is something that you would need to discuss with your physician. Similar to having ADHD can affect how you drive in particular in the case of an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. As a result, you might find that you have difficulty with organising your car or remembering to take medication before you get behind the wheel. If you're concerned about this, you can opt to travel with someone else or only drive when there's no anyone else in the vehicle. The negative image of Panorama's private health care in ADHD assessments is apparent. Many adults have shared with us that they received a diagnosis in private clinics without medication adjustment. They had to return to their GP to wait in the line to undergo an NHS assessment. This doesn't only discredit the NHS and adds to the stigma of the condition, which many feel they are being judged for, even by their own family.