ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is holding them to account. They are alleged to be over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people are seeking a private diagnosis of ADHD because they believe they cant wait for an NHS referral. It could take months to get diagnosed by your GP.
Signs and symptoms
If you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your work and personal life There are treatments available. This includes psychotherapy or medication. It is important to take the time to comprehend your symptoms and how they impact on your life is vital and will help to guide the treatment you receive.
The most prominent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While we all exhibit some of these behaviors occasionally, people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to do so and with greater frequency. These issues can cause major problems in their lives, and they can impact relationships and work performance as well as general wellbeing.
ADHD can make it difficult to listen, concentrate and follow directions. It can cause problems at school as well as at home, and can cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also make people feel restless and fidgety and cause problems in organising and planning tasks. It can lead to trouble with keeping appointments and responsibilities, as well as forgetting things like keys, money or even the mobile phone.
The signs of ADHD can also cause problems with eating and sleeping which can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. If not managed, ADHD is often associated with anxiety and depression.
ADHD is not curable, however treatment may help reduce symptoms and impact on your life. You should discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional. They will ask you to describe how your symptoms affect your day-to-day activities and whether they have an adverse impact on your work, home and social life. They will then suggest a treatment plan based on your requirements.
You are referred 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 get a shared care agreement for medication with your GP so that you only pay NHS prescription charges (as that your GP agrees to this and you have been stabilised). This can be arranged for an additional fee.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed as having ADHD is an important first step to find the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. Based on the specific symptoms you experience and how they impact your life, treatment may differ from medication to cognitive therapy to coaching. The best choice is to get an accurate diagnosis and evaluation by a specialist in adult ADHD. If your doctor is not willing to refer you to a specialist, you may request a referral from a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital or wellbeing center that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can give you an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children due to the guidelines for identifying symptoms used by psychologists are focused on identifying issues in kids. The doctor will likely conduct a physical examination and use questionnaires. Some doctors might even perform an examination of the brain to determine whether your brain is functioning the way it should.
A complete assessment will include a mental health screening, as 80% of adults with ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed, 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, consider asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance provider to find out which specialists are part of the network and have the experience to identify adult ADHD. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find recommendations for professionals in your area. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group if they can recommend a professional.
A complete ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours to complete. It includes an online test, a clinical interview, and the completion of various assessments that are validated. The results of the test will be a comprehensive report that your specialist will direct to your GP, or as an email.
Medication
If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they are impacting your relationships or daily life, you should seek assistance from a professional. You should first visit your GP and request an appointment for an assessment. The GP can assess your symptoms and look over documents such as school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they feel that you meet the criteria of a diagnosis.
If you are recommended to a specialist, you should attend an appointment with them. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms including family history, and your medical history. They will also evaluate the current health status and lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medication to control your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of the medications and determine which one is best for you.
The medications used to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity in the brain and can be prescribed as tablets that release immediately which are taken 2 or 3 times per day or as modified release tablets, that are taken every day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate can be used in adolescents, adults, and children. Your specialist will discuss how long you should take the medication with you.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment can create the impression that these clinics' are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary, originally called The ADHD Scandal but later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is a great illustration.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments, treatment and assessment. But, this should not be a reason to deny the fact that people who would like to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should have access to high-quality healthcare. Even if a specialist charges for their services, doesn't mean they can disregard research-based practices or evade the rules. They must check here nevertheless follow the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is also true for psychiatrists, GPs, and private ADHD experts.
Treatment
The right diagnosis of ADHD is crucial for managing your symptoms. Your GP can recommend you to an exclusive specialist clinic, such as a Priory hospital or a wellbeing center for an assessment. The clinic will provide you with an extensive report of your results. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live a more fulfilling lifestyle.
The first step is to fill out an assessment form. In general, it will ask you to rate your conduct in different situations, such as at home, school or at work, as well as with your friends. You may be asked to bring a family member along with you to offer support. Your Therapist will make use of this information to formulate an individual treatment plan. They will assess your symptoms, their impact in different situations, as well as your current challenges in life. They will also recommend any other treatments that might be beneficial, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Once you've had an assessment and your doctor has prescribed medication if necessary. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, age and other factors. They'll also consider whether other medical conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
A thorough exam is essential to establish an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes taking a medical history, conducting psychological and physical tests and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will discuss any other health issues you've experienced and will also search for other possible causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or depression.
In certain instances a psychiatrist or a doctor may decide that you don't meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. It could 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 aren't satisfied with the choice you made you may request an additional opinion. This can be done by the GP or a psychiatrist.
In addition to prescribing medication and therapists, your psychologist can also assist you in developing strategies to deal with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They will give you advice on how to cope with your symptoms at school, at home, and at work. They'll also offer you assistance and guidance in developing a a healthy self-image, so that you can overcome the effects of your symptoms.