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 over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people seek a private diagnosis of ADHD because they feel they cant wait for an NHS referral. Referrals from your GP may take a long time.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your professional and personal life There are options for treatment. This includes psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life can help you to choose the right treatment.
The most prominent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While we all display certain of these behaviors at times, those with ADHD are more likely to do so and to a greater degree. These issues can cause major issues in their lives and can have a negative impact on their relationships, work performance, and overall well-being.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen, and follow directions. It can lead to problems in school as well as at home, and can cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also make people feel restless and fidgety and can cause difficulty in organising and planning tasks. It can cause issues with managing appointments and responsibilities as well as forgetting things such as keys, money, or the mobile phone.
Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to issues with sleeping and eating and can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. In some instances, untreated ADHD can be linked to anxiety and depression.
There is no cure for ADHD however treatment can improve your symptoms and decrease the effects they can have on your life. You will require a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms. They will ask you to explain how your symptoms impact your daily life and whether they have an adverse impact on your work, home and social life. The doctor will then suggest the best treatment plan for you.
You could be recommended by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or contact Priory and request an assessment on your own. If you have been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to create an agreement for shared care with your GP to pay only NHS prescription costs. This is possible at a cost.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards determining 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 behavior therapy or coaching. The best approach is to get a thorough evaluation and diagnosis by a specialist in adult ADHD. If your doctor is unable to refer you, you can request a referral to a private health clinic such as Priory or another well-known health or wellness center that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists have expertise in identifying ADHD and can give you an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children because the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are actually geared toward identifying problems in kids. The specialist will also conduct a medical examination and will use questionnaires. Some doctors might even perform an examination of the brain to determine whether your brain is functioning in the way it should.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as around 80% of adults who suffer from ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed, you should always visit an expert psychiatrist or a therapist who is specialized in mental health.
If you're unsure of who to call to get an evaluation and diagnosis, you might consider asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance company to determine which specialists are part of the network and have the expertise 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 region. Ask members of an ADHD support group to recommend an expert.
A complete ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours to perform and includes an online test, a clinical interview and various assessments that are validated. The outcome of the test will be a thorough report which your specialist can directly send to your GP or write a letter.
Medication
If your symptoms of ADHD are affect your daily life or relationships, you should seek professional help. You should first visit your GP and ask for an appointment for an assessment. The GP will evaluate your symptoms and examine documents like school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
If you are recommended to a specialist, you should make an appointment with them. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms, family history and history. They will also assess your current health and your lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medication to control your symptoms. They will talk about the risks and benefits of the medication and determine which is the best option for you.
The medications used to treat ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity of the brain and can be prescribed in tablets with immediate release that are taken two or three time every day or in modified release tablets that are taken one time each week and released over the entire day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adolescents, adults and children. Your doctor will explain to you the duration you'll need to take the medication.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could make it appear as if these clinics' are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary, initially titled The ADHD Scandal, later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, is a good illustration.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to cope with demand for ADHD assessments and treatment. However, this shouldn't be a reason to deny the fact that people who wish to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Just because a healthcare professional is charging for their services does not mean that they are able to evade rules or disregard evidence-based practices. They must still adhere to guidelines set out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists too.
Treatment
The correct diagnosis of ADHD is essential to manage your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend an exclusive speciality clinic like a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. The clinic will provide you with a full report of your results. In addition, they'll assist you in managing your symptoms to help you live a happier life and improve your overall health.
The first step of the process is a questionnaire. It usually asks you to rate how you behave in various situations. For example at school, work or with your friends. You may be asked to bring an individual from your family to provide support. Your therapist will utilize the details you provide to develop an individual treatment plan specifically tailored to your requirements. They will examine your symptoms, their impact in different contexts, and your current challenges in life. They will also suggest other treatments that might be beneficial, for instance, cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT).
After you've completed an assessment, your doctor will prescribe medications if required. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also look at whether other conditions like bipolar, anxiety, depression disorder may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
For an accurate ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is required. This includes taking a medical history, taking psychological and physical tests and also analyzing your answers to questions. The doctor will talk with you about any other health issues you've had, and will also check for any other possible causes of your symptoms such as a thyroid problem or depression.
In some instances a psychiatrist or a doctor might decide that you do not read more meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. This might be because the symptom list is too broad, or it might be that a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you're not satisfied with the outcome you can seek an opinion from a different doctor or psychiatrist.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and assist you develop strategies to cope 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 give you assistance and advice on developing a a positive self-image to help you overcome your symptoms.