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ADHD Private Diagnosis A doctor may refer an adult with ADHD to a private healthcare professional to receive an assessment. This can be done in person or online through video chat. The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that give unreliable diagnoses. This could put patients at risk. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? A professional diagnosis can give you treatment options and help reduce feelings of confusion or self-doubt. A diagnosis can aid family members in understanding the disorder and how it affects the person's life. This can result in better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD. In the UK In the UK, first talk to your GP about why you believe you have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment by an expert. This process will be more efficient If you request your GP to use a scheme that lets you choose your own provider. Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. It is a good idea to bring a family member with you to offer support. After your assessment, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis of ADHD and offer recommendations for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions. Getting a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid the pitfalls that can arise when you attempt to obtain an accurate diagnosis from the NHS. When delivering care to you healthcare professionals, they must follow evidence-based guidelines and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines. If your healthcare provider isn't able to determine that you suffer from ADHD you should be told the reason. You may not meet the requirements for ADHD, or they may think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking a different opinion. Adults often struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals misunderstand them. Some doctors may tell that their issues are due to the lack of effort or that they are lazy or incompetent. It can be difficult, but be aware that these myths aren't supported by scientific evidence. What happens if I don't agree? Many people with ADHD struggle to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to diagnose it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or think that the person is hiding them. Some GPs may be confused by the distinction between ADHD and other mental health disorders like depression (everyone is down at times) or anxiety (which can manifest with the same symptoms). Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior as an indication of their untreated ADHD, or assume that they suffer from depression or anxiety disorder as a result. Women with ADHD can find it difficult to recognize because their symptoms are typically more subtle and difficult to identify. This can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective. Certain private assessment providers require a letter of recommendation from your GP to make an appointment. This isn't always straightforward as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred to and then promptly batted back by doctors) on spurious grounds. The GP will ask you questions about your life, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. Based on the provider it could include questions about your home, work and family. They'll also discuss the different types of medication available to treat ADHD and will discuss which might be best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications, but if it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant like Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine. If you are diagnosed and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with a form that spells out the diagnosis and the way in which you should be treated. This is referred to as a 'shared care agreement'. Certain doctors will sign these agreements, but not all of them will. If your GP does not, you'll have to continue paying privately for your appointments and prescriptions. What is the next step if I am diagnosed, but I do not want to undergo medication or another treatment? A mental health professional can help create a treatment plan specific to the needs of each person. Early treatment is crucial and may involve talk therapy or medicine. It could also include lifestyle adjustments. Children suffering from ADHD can also be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern or aggression toward other people or serious infringements of social norms and regulations at home, school or with friends. What happens if you decide to drive? As the DVLA considers ADHD as a impairment, having the condition can make it more difficult for you to obtain your driver's license. This is only a possibility in the event that your symptoms are having a a long-term and significant impact on your daily life. This is something you would need to discuss with your physician. ADHD can also affect your driving performance, especially if you exhibit an impulsive driving style and unpredictable driving behavior. It may be difficult to organize your car or remember to take your medication before driving. If you are concerned about this, you may decide to drive with a passenger or only drive when you know you'll be driving on your own in the car. The negative portrayal by Panorama of private care in ADHD assessments is evident. We hear from many adults who are diagnosed without a drug titration test, but they are required to go back to their GP and wait at the end of the line for an NHS assessment because they were 'sneaked into the private clinic. IamPsychiatry is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also increases the stigma associated with a condition for which many sufferers feel that they are judged, even by their family members.