ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
An investigation by BBC Panorama is holding private clinics that diagnose ADHD to take into. It is claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people want to get a private diagnosis for ADHD because they feel they are unable to wait for an NHS referral. It can take months to get diagnosed by your GP.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms that affect your work and personal life, there are treatments available. They include medication or psychotherapy. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact on your life is important and can help guide the treatment you receive.
The main symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain behaviors in a few instances, those who suffer from ADHD do so more often and with greater frequency. These symptoms can cause significant issues in their lives, and they can impact relationships and work performance as well as general well-being.
ADHD can make it hard to concentrate, listen and follow directions. It can lead to problems in school and at home and may cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to feel restless and fidgety, and make them have trouble planning and organizing tasks. It can cause issues with appointments and responsibilities. It can also cause people to forget important items like keys, money or mobile phones.
The signs of ADHD can also cause problems with eating and sleeping, which can have a negative impact on health and wellbeing overall. If not managed, ADHD can be associated with anxiety and depression.
There is no cure for ADHD however treatment can help improve your symptoms and lessen the effects they have on your daily life. You should discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional. You will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact your daily life, which includes your family, work and social life. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment strategy for you.
You may be recommended to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can contact Priory yourself and arrange an assessment. If you have been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to set up an agreement for shared care with your GP to pay only NHS prescription costs. This can be done at an extra cost.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed as having ADHD is the first step in finding the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options vary based on your symptoms and impact they have on your life. It could be medication, cognitive behavior therapy or coaching. The best approach is to get an extensive evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is not willing to refer you, you can request a referral from an private healthcare clinic like Priory or another well-known health or wellness centre that specialises in adult ADHD evaluations. These specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and will provide you with a clear diagnosis within a few weeks.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children, as the symptom guidelines utilized by psychologists are focused on identifying issues in kids. The doctor will likely conduct a medical examination and use questionnaires. Some doctors may even do an examination of the brain to determine if your brain is working as it should.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as around 80% of adults who suffer from ADHD have a different condition like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order to be properly assessed, always consult a specialist psychiatrist or a therapist that specializes in mental health.
If you're not sure who to contact to get an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for a recommendation or calling your insurance company to find out which professionals are on the network and have the experience to diagnose adult ADHD. Alternately, you could contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to request recommendations for professionals in your area. If there's an ADHD support group in your local area you can ask for recommendations from people who are part of the group.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically lasts 1.5 hours and includes an online test and an interview with a clinician, as well as the completion of various tests that are validated. The outcome of the assessment is a detailed report that your specialist will send to your GP or write to third parties.
Medication
If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your daily life or relationships you should seek help from a professional. You should first visit your GP and ask for a referral to an assessment. The GP will be able to assess your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they believe that you meet the criteria of a diagnosis.
If you're directed to a specialist, you should make an appointment with them. The specialist will go through your symptoms, medical history and family history. They will also review the current health status and your lifestyle. They may suggest medication to control your symptoms. They will explain the advantages and risks of the medication and work out which is best for you.
Treatments for ADHD are known as stimulants. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It is a stimulant in the brain and can be prescribed as tablets that release immediately which are taken 2 or 3 times a 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 the recommended duration of the medication with you.
Some 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 but later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a great illustration.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to cope with demand for ADHD tests and treatments. However, this shouldn't detract from the fact that those who wish to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should have access to high-quality healthcare. Just because the healthcare provider is charging for their services does not mean they are free to ignore the rules or disregard evidence-based practice. They must nevertheless adhere to the guidelines established by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists as well.
Treatment
The right diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to managing your symptoms. Your doctor might suggest an individual clinic for evaluation for ADHD, such as Priory Hospital or a wellness centre. The clinic will provide you with an extensive report of the results. In addition, they will assist you in managing your symptoms to help you live a more fulfilling life and improve your overall wellbeing.
The first step of the process is a questionnaire. In general, it will ask you to rate your behavior in various situations, for example, at school, home or at work, as well as with your friends. You might also be asked to bring a family member with to provide assistance. Your counselor will utilize this information to develop an individualised treatment plan. They will assess your symptoms, their impact in different situations, as well as your current life challenges. They may also suggest other therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough examination, your doctor may prescribe medication. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, age and other factors. They'll also take into consideration whether other conditions like bipolar, anxiety, depression disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
For an accurate ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is needed. This involves taking a medical history, performing psychological and physical tests, and also 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 a thyroid problem or depression.
In some cases a psychiatrist or a doctor may decide that you don't meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because the list of symptoms isn't enough or that another condition better explains your symptoms. If you're not pleased with the decision you may request an additional opinion from a different psychiatrist or GP.
In adhd private assessment to prescribing medication and therapists, your psychologist can also help you develop strategies for coping with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how you can manage your issues at school, at home and at work. They'll also offer you guidance and assistance in creating a an ideal self-image to help you overcome the effects of your symptoms.