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.
Signs and symptoms
There are many options for treatment for those suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your work and personal life. These include psychotherapy or medication. It is important to take the time to comprehend your symptoms and how they impact on your life is important and will aid in guiding the treatment you receive.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are the most prominent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD. While we all exhibit certain of these behaviors at times, people who have ADHD experience them more frequently than other people and more frequently. These symptoms cause significant problems in their lives, and they can impact relationships as well as work performance and overall wellbeing.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen and follow instructions. It can create problems at home and in school and cause people to feel frustrated and overwhelmed. It can also make people feel anxious and fidgety, and can cause difficulty with planning and organising tasks. It can create issues with appointments and responsibilities. It can also lead to forgetting important things like money, keys, or mobile phones.
The symptoms of ADHD can also cause issues with sleeping and eating and can have a negative effect on overall health and wellbeing. In certain cases, untreated ADHD may be associated with depression and anxiety.
ADHD is not curable, but treatment can help ease symptoms and their impact on your life. You'll require a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They will ask you to describe how the symptoms affect your day-to-day activities and whether they have an adverse impact on your home, work and social life. They will then suggest a treatment plan based on your requirements.
You are directed to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can contact Priory yourself and arrange an assessment. If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to obtain an agreement on shared care for your medication with your GP to ensure that you only pay NHS prescription charges (as long that your GP agrees to this and you have been stabilised). This can be done at an additional fee.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. Depending on the individual manifestations and the way they affect your daily life, treatment options can vary from medication to cognitive therapy to coaching. The best option is an extensive evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unwilling to provide you with a referral, request the referral of a private health clinic like Priory or any other well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They are experts in identifying ADHD and will provide you with an accurate diagnosis within a few weeks.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children, as the symptom guidelines utilized by psychologists are really designed to identify problems in children. The specialist will also likely conduct a clinical examination and use questionnaires. Some doctors may even do a brain scan to determine if your brain is working as it should.
A thorough assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as about 80 percent of people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed it is crucial to visit a psychiatrist specialist in mental healthcare.
If you're unsure of who to contact to get 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. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD for recommendations of professionals in your area. If there's an ADHD support group in your community you can ask for recommendations from people who are part of the group.
A thorough ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test as well as an interview with a psychologist and the completion of various tests that are validated. The outcome of the test will be a detailed report that your doctor can send directly to your GP or in an email.
Medication
If you have symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek help from an expert. The first step is to visit your GP (family doctor) and ask them to recommend you for an assessment. The GP will examine your symptoms and examine documents like school reports. They will typically refer you website to a specialist if they believe that you meet the criteria for diagnosis.
If you are directed to a specialist, you should make an appointment with them. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms including family history, and your medical history. They will also review the current state of your health and lifestyle. They might suggest you take medication to control your symptoms. They will explain the benefits and risks of the medication and help you decide which is best for you.
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat ADHD. The most frequently used medication is methylphenidate. It is a stimulant in the brain. It can be prescribed as tablets that release immediately which are taken 2 or 3 times a day or as modified release tablets, that are taken every day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adolescents, adults and children. Your doctor will determine the duration of the medication with you.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could make it appear as if these clinics are "shady". One such example is the BBC Panorama documentary, originally called The ADHD Scandal. It later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD tests and treatments. But, this should not be a reason to deny the fact that people who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Simply because the healthcare provider is charging for their services doesn't mean they can bend the rules or disregard evidence-based practice. They must still follow the guidelines established by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is also true for psychiatrists, GPs, and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
The right diagnosis for ADHD is an important step in addressing your symptoms. Your GP can recommend you to an exclusive specialist clinic, such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The clinic will give you complete information about the results. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live a more enjoyable lifestyle.
The first step is to fill in an assessment form. In general, it will ask you to rate your behavior in different situations, like at home, school, work and with friends. You might be asked to bring someone from your family for support. Your Therapist will make use of this information to formulate an individual treatment plan. They will look at your symptoms, their effects in different situations, as well as your current issues in life. They will also recommend other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough evaluation your doctor will prescribe medication. They'll consider your symptoms, your age, and other aspects. They'll also look at whether other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder may be contributing to your ADHD.
To determine a correct ADHD diagnosis, a thorough examination is necessary. This includes taking a medical history, performing psychological and physical tests as well as analysing your answers to questions. The doctor will also discuss any other health issues you've experienced, and will also check for other possible causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or depression.
In some instances a psychiatrist or a doctor may decide that you don't meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because the symptom list is a bit too broad or that a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you aren't satisfied with the decision you've made, you can ask for an additional opinion. This can be done by an GP or psychiatrist.
In addition to prescribing medication and therapists, your psychologist can also assist you in developing strategies for coping with the challenges of living with ADHD. They will give you advice on how you can manage your symptoms at school, at home and at work. They'll also provide guidance and support in developing an ideal self-image so that you can overcome the effects of your symptoms.