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adhd diagnosis uk adults with ADHD may need to be referred by their GP to a private health professional for an assessment. This can be done in person or online through video call. The BBC's Panorama investigation has highlighted some clinics that offer unreliable diagnoses. This puts patients at risk. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? A professional diagnosis can give you treatment options and help reduce feelings of self-doubt or confusion. A diagnosis can also help family members understand the condition, and how it impacts the person's life. This could lead to better communication and a more informed management of ADHD. In the UK You should first talk to your GP about the reason you believe you suffer from ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and send you to a specialist for an assessment. This process will be more efficient when you ask your GP to use a scheme that lets you choose your preferred provider. Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation which includes a thorough clinical interview and psychological testing. It is always helpful to bring a friend or family member with you for support. After your evaluation the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and provide suggestions for treatment. It is recommended that you plan for your appointment to last for about two sessions. Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when seeking a diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should be able to adhere to evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when treating you. If your doctor isn't able to determine that you have ADHD They should be able to explain the reason. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might think that another condition would better explain your symptoms. This is okay and shouldn't deter you from seeking a second opinion. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD because their GPs or other medical professionals don't understand their symptoms. They may be told their problems are the result of not working to do enough or are incompetent or negligent. This can be extremely disappointing However, it is important to remember that these kinds of myths do not come from research-based evidence. What happens if I disagree with the diagnosis? Many people with ADHD have difficulty getting a diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not know the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Some doctors may ignore the symptoms or believe that the patient is concealing the symptoms. Some doctors are confused about the distinction between ADHD depression (everyone gets down at times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms). Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may misinterpret the person's behavior for their unmanaged ADHD or think that they are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder as a result. Women with ADHD may be difficult to recognize because their symptoms are often less obvious and harder to identify. This could lead to a mistreatment of the symptoms using antidepressants and other medications that are not helpful in treating ADHD. Some private assessment companies require a recommendation letter from your GP to set up an appointment. This process can be complicated as NHS GPs may refuse to accept ADHD referrals (about 50% of all ADHD assessments are referred and then rejected by doctors). The GP will ask you questions regarding your life, and how ADHD symptoms impact it. This can include questions regarding your work, home and family, based on the provider. They'll also discuss the various types of medications available to treat ADHD and discuss what might be the best for you. Most clinicians will suggest stimulant medication, but if it doesn't work for you, they could suggest a nonstimulant such as Atomoxetine or Venlafaxine. If you are diagnosed, your clinician will send paperwork to your GP which outlines the diagnosis as well as the recommended treatment. This is referred to 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'll 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 similar to the symptoms of ADHD, so an expert in mental health can help you develop the right treatment plan to meet the specific needs of each person. Early treatment is essential and may include talk therapy or medicine. It could also include lifestyle modifications. Children with ADHD can be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This is a pattern of aggressive behavior towards others, or serious violations of social norms and guidelines at home, school or with peers. What happens if you decide to drive? The DVLA classifies ADHD as a disability. This can make it more difficult to get your driving license. This is only applicable in the event that your symptoms are having a a long-term and significant impact on your daily life. This is something you'll need to discuss with your doctor. Similar to having ADHD could affect how you perform when driving in particular in the case of an impulsive driving style or other irregular driving habits. In the end you may find that you are having trouble organizing your car or remembering to take your 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 is no one else in the car. The negative image of Panorama's private health care in ADHD assessments is clear. Many adults have told us that they had received a diagnosis in an private clinic with no drug titration. They had to return to their GP to wait in line to undergo an NHS assessment. This is not only a discrediting of the NHS but also contributes to the stigma associated with the condition, which makes many sufferers are belittled by family members.