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ADHD Private Diagnosis A GP may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health professional to receive an assessment. This can be done either in person or via video call. The BBC's Panorama investigation has revealed clinics that give inaccurate diagnoses. This could put vulnerable patients at risk. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? A diagnosis from a professional will grant you access to treatment and help reduce feelings of confusion and self-doubt. A diagnosis can help family members understand the condition, and how it impacts the life of a person. This can result in better relationships and a better management of ADHD. In the UK, you should first speak to your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. This process will be more efficient If you request your GP to sign up for a plan that lets you choose your own provider. You will then undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation which includes a thorough psychological test and clinical interview. Bringing a family member to the appointment is always beneficial. After your assessment an expert will diagnose ADHD and make treatment recommendations. The appointment is expected to last between two and three hours. Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that may occur when trying to get an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. If you are receiving treatment, the healthcare professionals should still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines. If your doctor does not find that you suffer from ADHD, they should explain the reasons. You might not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is totally acceptable and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion. One of the primary reasons that adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is that they are often misunderstood by their GP or other medical experts. Some doctors might inform them that their problems result from an inability to work or that they are lazy or incompetent. This can be extremely frustrating however it is important to keep in mind that these types of stereotypes are not based on evidence from science. What happens if I don't agree? Many people with ADHD struggle to get a diagnosis. Some doctors are unaware of the condition and may not know what it is or how to identify it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or believe that the patient is hiding the signs. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms). In some cases, medical staff who are not familiar with ADHD will confuse the person's behaviour with their unmanaged ADHD or will believe that the patient is suffering from anxiety or depression due to their unmanaged ADHD. This is particularly challenging for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and easier to overlook. This could lead to a mistreatment of symptoms with antidepressants or other medicines which are not effective in treating ADHD. Some private assessment providers will require a letter from your GP before they will take your appointment. This can be a difficult process as NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessment are referred, and then rejected by the GPs). adhd diagnosis uk adults will ask you questions about your life, and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider it could include questions about your work, home and family. They'll also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be best 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 could be suggested. Once you receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send paperwork to your GP that outlines the diagnosis and the recommended treatment. This is referred to as a “shared care agreement'. Some doctors will accept these agreements however not all will. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you will still have to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions. What happens if I'm diagnosed but do not want to receive medication or any other treatment? Many of the signs of anxiety and depression are similar to those of ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can help develop a treatment plan that fits the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and may involve talk therapy or a medication. It may also require lifestyle changes. Children suffering from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a form of aggression towards other people or serious breaches of social norms and rules at school, at home or in the company of friends. What happens if I want to drive? Since the DVLA thinks of ADHD as a impairment, having the condition could make it more difficult to get your driver's licence. However this is only the case if your symptoms have a significant and long-term impact on your day to day living. It is recommended to discuss this with your physician. Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you perform when driving, especially in the case of impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. It may be difficult to organise your car, or make sure to take your medication before driving. If you're worried about this, choose to drive with someone else or only drive when there is no one else in the car. Panorama's negative portrayal of private healthcare in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without drug titration, but they are required to return to their GP and wait in the end of the line to undergo an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into an private clinic. This doesn't just discredit the NHS and adds to the stigma of the condition, which many feel they are being judged for even by their family members.