ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is holding them to account. It is claimed that private clinics are over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people want to get a private diagnosis for ADHD because they feel they are unable to wait for an NHS referral. It could take months to be referred by your GP.
Signs and symptoms
If you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your work and personal life, there are treatment options available. These include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life will allow you to choose the right treatment.
The most prominent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. While we all exhibit certain behaviors in a few instances, those with ADHD exhibit them more frequently and with greater frequency. These issues can cause major problems in their lives and can affect relationships as well as work performance and overall wellbeing.
ADHD can make it difficult to listen, concentrate and follow instructions. It can cause problems in school or at home and could cause people to feel overwhelmed and annoyed. It can also cause people to be irritable and tense and can cause difficulty in organising and planning tasks. It can cause problems with managing appointments and responsibilities as well as forgetting things like money, keys or the mobile phone.
Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to issues with sleeping and eating which can have a negative effect on health and wellbeing overall. Untreated ADHD is often linked to depression and anxiety.
There is no cure for ADHD, but treatment can help improve your symptoms and reduce the impact they have on your daily life. You will need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or any other qualified healthcare provider. They will ask you to explain how your symptoms affect your daily life and whether they have an adverse impact on your home, work and social life. They will then suggest an appropriate treatment plan based on your requirements.
You may be recommended to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can call 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 costs. This can be arranged for an additional fee.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options vary based on your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. It could be medication, cognitive behavior therapy or coaching. The best option is to get a thorough evaluation and diagnosis from a specialist for adult ADHD. If your doctor is unwilling to provide you with a referral, request an appointment with a private healthcare clinic like Priory or any other reputable hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They are experts in identifying ADHD and can provide you with an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children, as the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are really designed to identify problems in children. Apart from taking a medical history, your specialist is likely to conduct a clinical interview and may also use questionnaires. Some doctors will even perform an examination of the brain to determine if your brain is functioning as it should.
A thorough assessment will include a mental health screening, as 80percent of people suffering from ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). To be properly assessed, always see a psychiatrist who is an expert or therapist who specializes in mental health.
If you're unsure of who to call for an evaluation or diagnosis, ask your GP or call your insurance company. They can inform you which professionals have experience diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the network. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your area. Ask members of an ADHD support group to recommend a professional.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test and an interview with a clinician along with the completion of various tests that are validated. The outcome of the test is a thorough report that your doctor can send to your GP or write to third parties.
Medication
If you have 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 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 if they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
Once you are referred to a specialist you must make an appointment with them. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms, family history and history. They will also evaluate your current health and lifestyle. They may suggest medication to help control your symptoms. They will discuss the risks and benefits of the medication and decide which one is the best choice for you.
The medications used to treat ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It is a stimulant in the brain. It can be prescribed as immediate-release tablets that are taken two or three times per day, or as modified release tablets, that are taken every day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adults, adolescents and children. Your doctor will explain to 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". One such example is the BBC Panorama documentary, originally called The ADHD Scandal, but was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Explicit.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD assessments and treatment. This should not, however hinder those who want to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Even if a specialist charges for their services does not mean that they can ignore evidence-based practices or deviate from the rules. They must nevertheless adhere to the guidelines outlined by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for psychiatrists, GPs, and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
Getting the right diagnosis for ADHD is an important step in managing your symptoms. Your physician may recommend you to an exclusive speciality clinic like an Priory hospital or wellness center for an assessment. The clinic will provide you with the complete report of your findings. In addition, they will help you manage your symptoms to help you live a happier life and improve your overall health.
The first step of the process is to complete a questionnaire. In general, it will ask you to rate your conduct in different situations, like at school, home, work and with friends. You may also be asked to bring a family member with you for support. Your therapist will utilize the details you provide to develop an individual treatment plan specific to your needs. They will look at your symptoms and how they impact you in different contexts and the current issues you face. They may also suggest other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After you've completed an assessment the doctor will prescribe medications if required. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also look at whether other disorders like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
To determine a correct ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is required. This includes taking your medical history, performing psychological and physical tests, as well as analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will ask about any other health issues you've had and look for other possible causes for your symptoms, including thyroid issues or depression.
In certain instances the psychiatrist or GP may determine that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because your symptoms are too broad or that another condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with your decision you can seek an additional opinion from a different doctor or psychiatrist.
In private adhd assessment uk to prescribing medications, your psychologist will also assist you in developing strategies for coping with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how to deal with your issues at school, at work and at home. They will also offer assistance and advice on developing a confidence in yourself to help you overcome your symptoms.