ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is making them accountable. It is claimed that private clinics are knowingly over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people are seeking an independent ADHD diagnosis because they don't want to wait for a referral from the NHS. Referrals from your GP can take several months.
Symptoms
There are many options for treatment when you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your personal and professional lives. This may include psychotherapy or medication. Taking the time to understand your symptoms and how they affect your life is vital and will help to guide the treatment you receive.
The primary symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Although we all demonstrate certain of these behaviors at times, people with ADHD are more likely to experience them than other people and to a greater extent. These symptoms cause significant problems in their lives and can affect relationships, work performance and general wellbeing.
ADHD can make it hard to concentrate, listen, and follow instructions. It can create problems at home and in school, and make people feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also make people feel anxious and fidgety and cause them to have difficulty planning and organizing their tasks. It can create problems with appointments and responsibilities. It can also cause people to forget important items like keys, money, or mobile phones.
ADHD symptoms can cause problems with eating and sleeping, which can negatively impact overall well-being and health. If not managed, ADHD can be associated with anxiety and depression.
ADHD is not curable, but treatment can reduce symptoms and impact on your life. You should discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or any other qualified healthcare provider. They will ask you to explain how your symptoms impact your day-to-day life and whether they have a negative impact on your home, work and social life. They will then recommend a treatment plan based on your needs.
You could be directed by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory and request an assessment on your own. If you have been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to establish a shared-care agreement with your GP to pay only NHS prescription costs. This can be arranged for an additional fee.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed as having ADHD is an important first step to find the right treatment for your issues. Treatment options vary based on your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. It could be medication, cognitive behavioral therapy or coaching. The best option is an extensive evaluation and diagnosis from an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unwilling to recommend you, request the referral of a private health clinic such as Priory or any other reputable hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. These experts are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and are able to give a clear diagnosis within only a few weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD for adults can be more difficult than it is for children, because the symptom guides used by psychologists were developed to identify problems in children. The doctor will likely conduct a medical exam and use questionnaires. Some doctors may even do a brain scan to determine whether your brain is functioning as it should.
A complete evaluation will include a mental screening since the majority of people with ADHD also have another condition like autism or post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). In order to be properly assessed, always consult a specialist psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.
If you're not sure whom to call to get an evaluation and diagnosis, consider asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance company to find out who is in the network and have the expertise to diagnose adult ADHD. Alternatively, you can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your area. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group if they can recommend an expert.
A complete ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours to perform and includes an online test, a clinical interview, and the completion of various validated assessments. The results of the test will be a thorough report that your specialist will directly send to your GP or write an email.
Medication
If your symptoms of ADHD are impacting your everyday life or relationships You should seek out professional help. Your first step should be to visit your GP (family doctor) and request that they refer you for an assessment. The GP will evaluate your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will typically refer you to a specialist if they believe you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
Once you are directed to a specialist, you should attend an appointment with them. The specialist will go through your symptoms, medical history and family history. They will also assess the current state of your health and your lifestyle. They might suggest you take medications to manage your symptoms. They will talk about the potential risks and benefits of the medication and help you decide which one is the private adhd assesment best choice for you.
Treatments for ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It is a stimulant in the brain. It can be prescribed as tablets that release immediately that are taken two or three times per day or as modified release tablets, which are taken once a day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adults, adolescents and children. Your specialist will discuss with you the length of time you should be taking the medication.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment can give an impression that these clinics' are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary named The ADHD Scandal but later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, is a great example.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to cope with demands for ADHD tests and treatments. But, this should not hinder the fact that people who would like to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Just because the healthcare provider is charging for their services doesn't mean they are free to ignore the rules or disregard evidence-based practice. They must adhere to the guidelines set by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for GPs, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to manage your symptoms. Your GP may recommend you to an individual speciality clinic like an Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. The clinic will give you a full report of your results. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead a more fulfilling lifestyle.
The first step is to fill out a questionnaire. It usually asks you to rate how you behave in various situations. For instance at school, work or with friends. You might be asked to bring along a family member for support. Your counselor will utilize this information to develop an individualised treatment plan. They will examine your symptoms, their impact in different situations, and also your current challenges in life. They will also suggest alternative treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough assessment, your doctor may prescribe medication. They'll take into account your symptoms, your age and other factors. They'll also take into consideration whether other conditions like bipolar, anxiety, depression disorder may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
A thorough examination is required for an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes taking a medical history, conducting physical and psychological tests, and analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will ask about any other health problems you've experienced and will check for other possible causes for your symptoms, including depression or thyroid issues.
In certain instances the psychiatrist or GP will decide that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. This could be due to the fact that the symptom list is too broad or that a different disorder is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you're not pleased with the outcome you may request a second opinion from another psychiatrist or GP.
In addition to prescribing medications as well, your psychologist will assist you in developing strategies for coping with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how you can manage your symptoms at home, at school and at work. They will also offer support and guidance in developing an optimistic self-image so that you can conquer the symptoms.