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ADHD Private Diagnosis A GP may refer an adult with ADHD to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or via video call. The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that give inaccurate diagnoses. This puts patients at risk. What happens if I do not receive an appointment? A diagnosis from a professional can grant you access to treatments and reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the condition, and how it affects the life of a person. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD. In the UK In the UK, first talk to your GP about why you believe you may have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. This process will be quicker when you ask your GP to use a scheme that allows you to choose your own provider. The next step is to conduct a thorough psychotherapy assessment, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological test. Bringing a family member along is always beneficial. After your assessment, a specialist will determine the cause of ADHD and make treatment recommendations. The appointment should last for 2 sessions. A diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that can arise when trying to get a diagnosis through the NHS. When providing care to you the healthcare professionals must follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines. If your healthcare provider doesn't believe you suffer from ADHD They should be able to explain why. It may be that they don't believe that you meet their criteria for the disorder, or that they believe an alternative condition is more likely to explain your traits (symptoms). This is okay and shouldn't discourage you from seeking an alternative opinion. One of the most common reasons why adults struggle to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical experts. Some doctors may tell them that their troubles are caused by an inability to work or that they're lazy or negligent. It can be difficult, but be aware that these stereotypes aren't supported by evidence from science. What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis? Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not understand the nature of the condition or how to recognize it. Some may dismiss the symptoms as normal or assume that the person is hiding the symptoms. Some GPs may also be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health issues such as depression (everyone feels down sometimes) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms). In some cases, medical staff who are unfamiliar with ADHD might confuse the person's behavior with that of their unmanaged ADHD or will think that the person is suffering from depression or anxiety as a result of their unmanaged ADHD. This is especially challenging for women suffering from ADHD who's symptoms are more subtle and easier to overlook. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective. Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This process can be complicated because NHS doctors may not accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessment are referred, and then rejected by doctors). The GP will ask you questions regarding your life, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This could include questions about your job, home, and family, depending on the provider. They will also discuss the different types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD, and what may be most suitable for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first. However, should this not work for you then a nonstimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride may be suggested. Once you have a diagnosis the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and how that you be treated. This is referred to as a “shared care agreement”. Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements but not all. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you'll still need to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions. What is the next step if I am diagnosed but don't want to undergo medication or another treatment? A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to those of ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can assist in developing a treatment plan that fits the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial, and it may include talk therapy, medicine, or lifestyle changes. Children with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards other people or serious violations of social norms and rules at school, at home or in the company of friends. What happens if you decide to drive? Since the DVLA is adamant about ADHD as a disability, having the condition can make it more difficult to get your driver's licence. However adhd uk diagnosis is only the case when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day to day living. You would need to discuss this with your physician. ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. You may find it difficult to organise your car, or remember to take your medication prior to driving. If you're worried about this, opt to drive with someone else or only drive when there is no other person in the car. As you can see it, the Panorama program provided a negative and distorted perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. Many adults have shared with us that they had received an assessment in private clinics without medication adjustment. They were then required return to their GP to wait in the line for an NHS assessment. This doesn't just denigrate the NHS and increases the stigma associated with an illness that many feel they are being judged for, even by their own family.