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diagnosed with adhd as an adult may recommend an adult suffering from ADHD to a private health specialist for an assessment. This can be done either in person or by video calls. The BBC's Panorama investigation has exposed clinics that provide incorrect diagnoses. This puts vulnerable patients at risk. What happens if I don't have a diagnosis? A professional diagnosis can give you access to treatments and decrease feelings of self-doubt or confusion. The diagnosis can help family members to understand the condition and how it affects the person's daily routine. This can lead to better relationships and a more informed approach to managing ADHD. In the UK the first step is to consult with your GP and discuss the reasons you think you have ADHD. Your GP should be concerned about your concerns and recommend you to an expert to conduct an assessment. This process will be quicker If you request your GP to sign up for a plan which allows you to select your preferred provider. Then, you will undergo an extensive psychiatric examination that includes a thorough psychotherapy session and a clinical interview. It is a good idea to bring a friend or family member with you for assistance. After the assessment the doctor will give a clear diagnosis of ADHD and give suggestions for treatment. The appointment should last for two sessions. Finding a diagnosis from a private diagnosis specialist can help you avoid pitfalls that can arise when trying to get a diagnosis through the NHS. The healthcare professionals you work with should be able to follow evidence-based practice and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when providing care for you. If your doctor does not determine that you have ADHD then he or she must explain why. You may not meet the criteria for ADHD, or they might believe that another condition could better explain your symptoms. This is okay and shouldn't discourage you from seeking a second opinion. One of the most common reasons that adults struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD is because they are often misunderstood or dismissed by their GP or other medical professionals. Certain doctors might tell them that their problems result from the lack of effort or that they're lazy or negligent. This can be very frustrating, but it is important to remember that these kinds of myths do not come from evidence from science. What happens if I disagree? Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis. Some GPs have poor awareness of the condition and may not be aware of the nature of the condition or how to identify it. Some might dismiss the symptoms as normal behaviour or believe that the person is masking them. Some doctors are confused about the distinction between ADHD, depression (everyone experiences down times) and anxiety (which can have the same symptoms). Certain medical professionals who aren't aware of ADHD may mistake the person's behavior as a sign of untreated ADHD or believe that they are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder due to it. This can be particularly difficult for women with ADHD who's symptoms may be more subtle and difficult to miss. This confusion can lead people to treat symptoms of ADHD with antidepressants or other medications that aren't effective. Some private assessment companies will require a referral from your GP before they will take your appointment. This is not always easy as NHS GPs can bat ADHD referrals back to themselves (about 50% of ADHD assessments are referred to GPs and then immediately batted back by GPs) on spurious grounds. The GP who assesses you will inquire about your personal life and how your ADHD symptoms affect it. Depending on the provider the questions could be about your work, home and family. They will also talk about the different types and strengths of drugs available to treat ADHD and determine which one would be the best for you. Generally, clinicians will try stimulant medications first, but if this doesn't suit you then a non-stimulant medication like Atomoxetine, Venlafaxine or Bupropion Hydrochloride could be suggested. If you are diagnosed and the doctor will send a letter to your GP with paperwork that sets out the diagnosis and how you should be treated. This is known as a “shared care agreement”. Some doctors are in agreement with these agreements but not all. If your GP does not, you will need to continue to pay privately for appointments and prescriptions. What happens if I receive an illness but don't want to take medication? A lot of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are the same as those of ADHD and anxiety, which is why a mental health professional can help you develop a treatment plan that fits the specific requirements of each individual. Early treatment is crucial, and it may include talk therapy, medicine or lifestyle adjustments. Children who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder which is a pattern of aggression towards other people or serious breaches of rules and social norms at school, home or in the company of friends. What happens if I want to drive? Since the DVLA considers ADHD as a disability, having this condition could make it more difficult for you to obtain your driver's license. However this is only the case when your symptoms have a significant long-term impact on your day to day living. This is something you'll need to discuss with your doctor. Similarly, having ADHD can affect how you drive in particular if your symptoms include impulsivity or erratic driving behaviours. You may find it difficult to organise your car, or make sure to take your medication prior to 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. As you can see, the Panorama programme gave a very biased negative view of private care for ADHD assessments. We hear from many adults who receive a diagnosis without drug titration, but then have to go back to their GP and stand at the end of the line for an NHS assessment because they were'sneaked into an private clinic. This doesn't just discredit the NHS, it adds to the stigma of a condition that many people feel they are judged for even by their own family.