ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
An investigation conducted by BBC Panorama is holding private clinics that diagnose ADHD to account. It is claimed that private clinics are over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people want to get a private diagnosis for ADHD because they believe they cannot wait for an NHS referral. It can take months to get referred by your GP.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your professional and personal life There are treatments available. This may include psychotherapy or medication. Taking the time to understand your symptoms and how they affect your life is important and will help to guide the treatment you receive.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are the main signs and symptoms for adult ADHD. Although we all demonstrate certain of these behaviors at times, those with ADHD are more likely to experience them than other people and more frequently. These issues can cause major problems in their lives and can impact on relationships as well as work performance and overall wellbeing.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen, and follow instructions. It can cause problems in school or at home and could cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to feel restless and fidgety and may cause difficulties with organising and planning tasks. It can cause issues with keeping appointments and responsibilities, and can also cause people to lose things such as keys, money, or the mobile phone.
ADHD symptoms can cause issues with sleep and eating, which can negatively impact overall health and well-being. In some cases, unmanaged ADHD may be associated with depression and anxiety.
ADHD is not curable, however treatment may help reduce symptoms and their impact on your life. You should discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider. They will ask you to explain how your symptoms impact your day-to-day life and whether they have an adverse impact on your work, home and social life. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment strategy for you.
You are able to be recommended by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or contact Priory and request an evaluation yourself. If you've been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to set up an agreement for shared care with your GP to pay only NHS prescription costs. This can be done at an additional fee.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards finding the best treatment for your symptoms. Depending on your individual symptoms and how they impact your life, treatment can vary from medication to cognitive therapy to coaching. The best option is an extensive evaluation and diagnosis from an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unable to refer you, you can request a referral from a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital or wellness center that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. These specialists are skilled in determining ADHD and will provide you with a clear diagnosis within a couple of weeks.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children, as the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are focused on identifying issues in children. Apart from taking a medical history, the specialist will likely conduct a clinical interview, and may also employ questionnaires. Some doctors might even conduct an examination of the brain to determine whether your brain is functioning the way 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 be properly assessed, it is important to visit a psychiatrist or specialist in mental healthcare.
If you're not sure who to call to get an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for a recommendation or calling your insurance company to find out who is in the network and have the experience to determine adult ADHD. 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 people who attend an ADHD support group if they can recommend an expert.
A full ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test and a clinical interview along with the completion of various valid assessments. The outcome of the test will be a thorough report which your specialist can direct to your GP or in an email.
Medication
If your symptoms of ADHD are affecting your daily life or relationships you must seek out professional help. Your first step should be to visit your GP (family doctor) and ask them to recommend you for an assessment. The GP can evaluate your symptoms and read documents like school reports. They will only refer you to specialists when they feel that you meet the criteria of a diagnosis.
You should schedule an appointment with the specialist after having been referred. The doctor will discuss your symptoms, your history and family history. They will also assess the current state of your health and your lifestyle. They may suggest medication to control your symptoms. They will explain the benefits and risks of these medications and help you decide which is best for you.
The medications used to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity in the brain. It can be prescribed as immediate-release tablets, taken two or three times per day or as modified release tablets, that are taken every day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is available for adolescents, adults, and children. Your doctor will determine the recommended duration of the medication with you.
Some media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could give an impression that these clinics' are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary called The ADHD Scandal, later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, is a great illustration.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demands for ADHD assessments as well as treatment and assessment. However, this shouldn't, detract from those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Simply because a healthcare professional is charging for their services, it does not mean they can bend the rules or ignore evidence-based practice. They must still follow the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists too.
Treatment
Finding the correct diagnosis for ADHD is a crucial step to manage your symptoms. Your physician can recommend you to an exclusive speciality clinic like a Priory hospital or wellness center to conduct an assessment. The clinic will give you the complete report of your findings. Additionally, they will assist you in managing your symptoms to help you live a happier life and improve your overall health.
The first step in the process is a questionnaire. It usually asks you to rate how you behave in different situations. For example at work, school or with your friends. You might be asked to bring a family member for support. Your counselor will utilize this information to develop an individual treatment plan. They will examine your private assessment for adhd symptoms, their impact in different contexts, and your current life challenges. They will also suggest any other treatments that may be beneficial, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
After a thorough examination the doctor can prescribe medication. They'll consider your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also consider whether other conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough examination is necessary to make an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes taking medical history, conducting physical and psychological tests, and analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will talk with you about any other health issues you've experienced, 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 meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. This could be due to the fact that the symptom list is a bit too broad, or it might be that a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from another psychiatrist or GP.
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'll offer advice on how to cope with your issues at school, at home, and at work. They'll also offer you guidance and support in developing an ideal self-image so that you can conquer the effects of your symptoms.