ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is making them accountable. It is claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people seek a private diagnosis of ADHD because they believe they are unable to wait for an NHS referral. It can take months to get diagnosed by your GP.
Signs and symptoms
There are many treatment options if you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your work and personal life. They include medication or psychotherapy. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact on your life is vital and can help guide the treatment you receive.
The most prominent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. Although we all demonstrate some of these behaviours at times, those with ADHD suffer from them more often than others and to a greater extent. These issues can cause major issues in their lives and have a negative impact on their relationships, work performance, and overall health.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate and listen, as well as follow instructions. It can cause issues at school and home, and make people feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also make people feel restless and fidgety, and cause them to have difficulty planning and organizing their tasks. It can cause issues with keeping appointments and responsibilities, and can also cause people to lose things such as keys, money, or the mobile phone.
Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to problems with eating and sleeping, which can have a negative impact on health and wellbeing overall. In some cases, unmanaged ADHD may be associated with depression and anxiety.
There is no cure for ADHD however treatment can help improve your symptoms and reduce the effects they have on your life. You'll need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare professional. They will ask you to explain how the symptoms affect your daily life and whether they have an adverse impact on your home, work and social life. The doctor will then suggest the most effective treatment plan 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've been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to establish a shared care agreement with your GP to pay only NHS prescription charges. This can be done at an additional cost.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. Based on the specific symptoms you experience and the way they affect your life, treatment can differ from medication to cognitive behavior therapy to coaching. The best approach is to get a thorough evaluation and diagnoses by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor refuses to recommend you, request a referral from a private health clinic such as Priory or any other well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They are experts in identifying ADHD and can give you an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be more difficult than in children, because the symptom guides used by psychologists were designed to help identify issues in children. In addition to taking your medical history, your specialist is likely to conduct a clinical interview and might also use questionnaires. Some doctors might even perform a brain scan to determine whether your brain is functioning as it should.
A thorough assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health check as 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, always visit an expert psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.
If you're not sure whom to call to get an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance company to find out which specialists are part of the network and have the expertise to determine 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. Also, if there's an ADHD support group in your local area you can ask for recommendations from those who are members of the group.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours to complete and includes an online test, a medical interview and the completion of various validated assessments. The result of the test is a comprehensive report that your doctor can send to your GP or a letter to third parties.
Medication
If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they are impacting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek out help from a professional. First, visit your GP and request a referral to an assessment. The GP will assess your symptoms and examine documents such as school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they feel that you meet the criteria of a diagnosis.
You should make an appointment with the specialist after having been recommended. The specialist will go through your symptoms, history and family history. They will also evaluate the current state of your health and your lifestyle. They may suggest that here you consider medications to manage your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of these medications and determine which one is the best option for you.
The medications used to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It is a stimulant in the brain. It can be prescribed as tablets with immediate release, 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 available for adolescents, adults, and children. Your specialist will discuss the duration of the medication with you.
Some media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment can create the impression that these clinics are "shady". One example is the BBC Panorama documentary, originally called The ADHD Scandal. It was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Explicit.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demands for ADHD assessments treatment, assessment and treatment. However, this should not, detract from those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. The fact that a professional is charged for their services does not mean that they are able to ignore research-based practices or evade the rules. They must adhere to the guidelines set by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is also true for psychiatrists, GPs and private ADHD experts.
Treatment
Finding the correct diagnosis for ADHD is a crucial step in managing your symptoms. Your doctor might refer you to an individual clinic for evaluation, such as Priory Hospital or a wellness center. The clinic will give you the complete report of your results. Additionally, they will help you manage your symptoms to help you live a happier life and improve your overall wellbeing.
The first step in the process is a questionnaire. This will usually ask you to rate your behave in different situations. For instance at school, work or with your friends. You may be asked to bring along an individual from your family to provide assistance. Your therapist will use the details you provide to develop a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. They will examine your symptoms, their impact in different situations, and also your current life challenges. They will also recommend other therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Once you've had an assessment and your doctor has prescribed medications if required. They'll consider your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also take into consideration whether other disorders like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
For an accurate ADHD diagnosis, a thorough examination is required. This includes taking your medical history, taking psychological and physical tests and analyzing your answers to questions. The doctor will discuss any other health issues that you've encountered, and will also check for any other possible causes of your symptoms such as thyroid problems or depression.
In some cases the psychiatrist or GP may determine that you don't meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because the list of symptoms is too broad or that another condition better explains your symptoms. If you're not happy with the outcome you can seek an additional opinion from a different doctor or psychiatrist.
In addition to prescribing medication as well, your psychologist will assist you in developing strategies for dealing with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They will offer you advice on how to deal with your symptoms at school as well as at work and at home. They will also give you assistance and guidance to develop a an optimistic self-image so that you can conquer your symptoms.