ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is calling them to account. It is claimed that private clinics are knowingly over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people want to get a private diagnosis for ADHD because they believe they are unable to wait for an NHS referral. Referrals from your GP may take a long time.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your professional and personal life, there are options for treatment. These include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life can help you select the appropriate treatment.
The most prominent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While we all exhibit certain of these behaviors in a few instances, those who suffer from ADHD do so more often and in greater amounts. These symptoms can cause serious issues in their lives and can have a negative impact on their relationships, work performance and overall health.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen, and follow directions. It can cause issues at school and home and cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also make people feel agitated and irritable, and make them have trouble planning and organizing their tasks. It can cause problems with keeping track of appointments and obligations, and can also cause people to lose things such as keys, money or even the mobile phone.
Symptoms of ADHD can also cause problems with eating and sleeping, which can have a negative impact on overall health and wellbeing. In some instances, untreated ADHD can be linked to depression and anxiety.
There is no cure for ADHD, but treatment can help improve your symptoms and decrease the effects they can have on your life. You will need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional. They will ask you to describe how your symptoms affect your day-to-day life and whether they have a negative impact on your home, work and social life. The doctor will then suggest the most effective treatment strategy for you.
You are referred to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can contact Priory yourself and arrange an assessment. If you've been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to create a shared-care agreement with your GP to pay only NHS prescription charges. This can be arranged at a cost.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a crucial first step to find the right treatment for your issues. Treatment options vary based on the severity of your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. It could be medication, cognitive behavior therapy or coaching. The best choice is to receive a thorough evaluation and diagnosis from a specialist for adult ADHD. If your doctor refuses to refer you, ask for an appointment with a private health clinic such as Priory or any other well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists have expertise in identifying ADHD and will provide you with an accurate diagnosis within a few weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD for adults can be more difficult than it is for children due to the symptom guides utilized by psychologists were created to identify problems in children. The specialist will also conduct a medical examination and use questionnaires. Some doctors may even do a brain scan to see if your brain is working the way it should.
A thorough assessment will include a mental health screening as 80% of adults with ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed, you should always see a psychiatrist who is an expert or therapist who specializes in mental health.
If you're not sure who to call for an evaluation or diagnosis, ask your GP or call your insurance company. They will be able to tell you which professionals are experienced in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are part of the network. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness read more (NAMI) or CHADD for recommendations on professionals in your area. Ask those who belong to an ADHD support group if they have any recommendations for a professional.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment will typically take 1.5 hours to complete and includes an online test, a clinic interview, and the completion of various assessments that are validated. The results of the test will be a detailed report that your doctor can directly send to your GP, or as a letter.
Medication
If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek assistance from a professional. First, visit your GP and request an appointment for an assessment. The GP can evaluate your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
It is recommended to make an appointment with the specialist after having been recommended. The doctor will discuss your symptoms, your history and family history. They will also assess your health and your lifestyle. They may suggest medication to treat your symptoms. They will explain the benefits and risks of the medications and help you decide which is best for you.
Treatments for ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It improves brain activity and is prescribed in tablets with immediate release that are that are taken three or two times each day, or modified release tablets that are taken one time every week and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adults, adolescents and children. Your specialist will discuss with you the length of time you'll need to take the medication.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment can give an impression that these clinics are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary, originally titled The ADHD Scandal, later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is a great illustration.
There is no doubt that the NHS is struggling to meet the demands for ADHD tests and treatments. This should not, however, detract from those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Just because the healthcare provider is charging for their services doesn't mean they can bend the rules or disregard evidence-based practice. They must nevertheless follow the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for GPs, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
The correct diagnosis of ADHD is crucial for managing your symptoms. Your GP might recommend an assessment at a private clinic, such as Priory Hospital or a wellbeing centre. The clinic will provide you with complete information about the results. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live a more fulfilling lifestyle.
The first step of the process is to complete a questionnaire. In general, it will require you to rate your conduct in various situations, such as at school, home, work and with friends. You might be asked to bring someone from your family for assistance. Your counselor will utilize this information to develop an individualised treatment plan. They will look at your symptoms, their impact in different situations, as well as your current challenges in life. They will also suggest any other therapies that could be beneficial, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough evaluation, your doctor may prescribe medication. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, age, and other aspects. They'll also consider whether other conditions like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough examination is necessary for an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes taking medical history, performing psychological and physical tests and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will also discuss any other health issues that you've encountered and will also look for other potential causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or depression.
In some cases a psychiatrist or doctor might decide that you don't meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because the symptom list isn't enough or that a different disorder is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with your decision, you can request an opinion from a different doctor or psychiatrist.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you devise strategies to deal with the difficulties of living with ADHD. They will offer you advice on how to deal with your symptoms at school or at work, as well as at home. They will also provide support and guidance in developing confidence in yourself so that you can conquer your symptoms.