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how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can refer an adult with ADHD to a private health specialist for an assessment. This can be done in person, or online via video call. Panorama the documentary, a BBC investigation, has revealed that some clinics offer a faulty diagnosis. This could put patients at risk. What happens if I do not get an appointment? A medical diagnosis can provide you treatment options and help reduce anxiety or self-doubt. The diagnosis can help family members understand the condition and how it impacts a person's daily life. This can result in better relationships and a more informed management of ADHD. In the UK, the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reason you think you might have ADHD. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an evaluation with an expert. You can accelerate the process by asking your GP to use a plan that lets you select your preferred provider. The next step is to conduct a thorough psychological evaluation, which includes an in-depth interview and psychological test. A family member or friend to the appointment is always beneficial. After the assessment an expert will diagnose ADHD and provide treatment recommendations. The appointment is expected to last around two sessions. Getting a diagnosis from an adhd private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that may occur when trying to get a diagnosis through the NHS. When delivering care to you healthcare professionals, they must still adhere with evidence-based practices and National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines. If your doctor doesn't determine that you have ADHD, he or she should explain why. It could be because they don't believe that you meet the criteria for the disorder, or they believe other conditions better explain your traits (symptoms). This is perfectly normal and shouldn't deter you from seeking a different opinion. Adults often struggle to get diagnosed with ADHD because their doctors or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. They may be told that their problems are the result of not working hard enough or that they are lazy or negligent. It can be frustrating, but remember that these stereotypes aren't supported by scientific evidence. What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis? Many people with ADHD are unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors may not be aware of the condition or know how to diagnose it. Some may dismiss the symptoms or believe that the patient is hiding the signs. Some doctors are confused about the difference between ADHD depression (everyone is down at times) and anxiety (which may have similar symptoms). Some medical staff unfamiliar with ADHD may mistake the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or believe that they suffer from anxiety or depression disorder due to it. This is especially challenging for women with ADHD whose symptoms can be more subtle and easy to miss. This confusion can result in inappropriate treatment of the symptoms with antidepressants or other medications that are not effective in treating ADHD. Some private assessment providers require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This procedure can be difficult due to the fact that NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to, and then immediately rejected by doctors). The GP will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider it could include questions about your home, work and family. They'll also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be the best for you. Most doctors will recommend stimulant medications, but if it doesn't work for you, they might suggest a nonstimulant, such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine. Once you have a diagnosis, the clinician will write to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how they recommend you should be treated. This is known as a “shared care agreement”. Some doctors will accept these agreements however not all of them will. If your GP doesn't accept these agreements, you will still be required to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions. What happens if I'm diagnosed but don't want to receive medication or any other treatment? A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are the same as those of ADHD and anxiety, which is why an expert in mental health can help develop an appropriate treatment plan that meets the individual requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial and may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle changes. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, which is a form of aggression toward other people or serious violations of social norms and rules at school, home, or among peers. What happens if you decide to drive? The DVLA categorizes ADHD as a disability. This could make it more difficult for you to obtain your driving license. However, this is only if your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day-to-day living. You would need to discuss this with your doctor. ADHD can also affect your driving performance particularly if you show impulsivity and erratic driving behaviors. You may have difficulty to organize your car or ensure that you take your medication before driving. If you're concerned about this, you can opt to travel with a partner or only drive when there's no other person in the car. As you can see it, the Panorama programme gave a very negative and biased perception of private treatment for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without a drug titration, and they are required to return to their GP and wait in the back of the queue to undergo an NHS assessment due to being'sneaked' in to a private clinic. This doesn't only discredit the NHS, it creates a stigma around the condition, which many believe they are judged by even by their family members.