ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
An investigation conducted by BBC Panorama is holding private clinics that diagnose ADHD to account. Its claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people are looking for a private ADHD diagnosis because they don't want to wait for a referral from the NHS. It can take months to get diagnosed by your GP.
Signs and symptoms
There are a variety of treatment options when you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your personal and professional lives. This includes psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life can help you choose the best treatment.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and inattention are the main symptoms of adult ADHD. Although we all demonstrate some of these behaviours at times, those with ADHD experience them more frequently than other people and to a greater extent. These issues can cause major problems in their lives, and they can impact relationships and work performance as well as general well-being.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen and follow instructions. It can cause issues at home and at school and cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also make people be irritable and tense and may cause difficulties with planning and organising tasks. It can lead to trouble with managing appointments and responsibilities and can also cause people to lose things like keys, money or even the mobile phone.
ADHD symptoms can also cause problems with eating and sleep which can adversely impact overall health and well-being. If not managed, ADHD is often linked to depression and anxiety.
There is no cure for ADHD however treatment can help you improve your symptoms and reduce the effects they can have on your life. You'll need a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They will ask you to describe how the symptoms affect your daily life and whether they have a negative impact on your work, home and social life. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment strategy for you.
You can be recommended by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or contact Priory and arrange an assessment on your own. If you have been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to set up a shared care agreement with your GP to pay only NHS prescription charges. This can be done at an additional fee.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options vary based on the severity of your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. It could be medication, cognitive behavioral therapy or coaching. The best approach is to seek an extensive evaluation and diagnosis by a specialist in adult ADHD. If your doctor is not willing to refer you, you can request a referral to a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital or wellness centre that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. These specialists are experts in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide a precise diagnosis within the space of a few weeks.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children, as the guidelines for identifying symptoms used by psychologists are designed to identify problems in children. Apart from taking adult adhd private assessment , your specialist will likely conduct a clinical interview and might also use questionnaires. Some doctors will even perform an examination of the brain to determine if your brain functions as it should.
A thorough evaluation of ADHD will also include a mental health check since around 80 percent of people with ADHD have a different condition such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed, it is important to visit a psychiatrist specialist in mental health.
If you're unsure of who to contact for an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for recommendations or calling your insurance company to determine which professionals are on the network and have the expertise to determine adult ADHD. Alternatively, you can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to request recommendations for specialists in your area. If there's an ADHD support group in your area Ask for recommendations from people who are part of the group.
A full ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test as well as an interview with a psychologist along with the completion of various valid assessments. The outcome of the test is a detailed report that your doctor can send to your GP or send to third parties.
Medication
If you have symptoms of ADHD and they are affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek help from a professional. You should first visit your GP and ask for a referral to an assessment. The GP will examine your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will usually only refer you to a specialist when they believe you meet the criteria for diagnosis.
You should schedule an appointment to see the specialist after having been referred. The doctor will discuss your symptoms, your history and family history. They will also review your current health and your lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medication to control your symptoms. They will talk about the benefits and risks of the medication and decide which is the best option for you.
Stimulants are medicines that are used to treat ADHD. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It is a stimulant in the brain and can be prescribed as tablets with immediate release that are taken two or three times per day, or as modified release tablets which are taken once per day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adolescents, adults and children. Your specialist will discuss with you how long you should be taking the medication.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could create the impression that these clinics are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary called The ADHD Scandal, later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, is a good illustration.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD tests and treatments. However, this should not detract from the fact that people who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Just because a professional charges for their services does not mean that they can ignore research-based practices or evade the rules. They must adhere to guidelines set out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. That is true of doctors, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists as well.
Treatment
The correct diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to managing your symptoms. Your physician may recommend you to an exclusive speciality clinic like a Priory hospital or wellness center to conduct an assessment. The clinic will provide you with an extensive report of your results. Additionally, they will help you manage your symptoms to help you live a happier life and improve your overall health.
The first step in the process is to fill out a questionnaire. It usually asks you to rate your behave in various situations. For example, at work, school or with your friends. You might also be asked to bring a family member along with to provide assistance. Your therapist will use the information you provide to create an individual treatment plan specifically tailored to your requirements. They will assess your symptoms, how they affect you in various contexts, and your current life difficulties. They will also recommend 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 account your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also consider whether other medical conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
A thorough examination is required to make an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes taking medical history, taking tests of the psychological and physical, and analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will talk with you about any other health issues that you've encountered and will also search for other possible causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or depression.
In some cases, the GP or psychiatrist will decide that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be that the symptoms are too broad or another condition is more suitable to explain your symptoms. If you're not satisfied with the decision you may request an additional opinion from a different psychiatrist or GP.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and assist you develop strategies to cope with the difficulties of living with ADHD. They will give you advice on how to cope with your symptoms at home, at school and at work. They'll also offer you assistance and guidance in developing a confidence in yourself, to help you overcome the effects of your symptoms.