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 are looking for an independent ADHD diagnosis because they don't want to wait for a referral from NHS. It can take months to get an appointment with your GP.
Signs and symptoms
There are many treatment options when you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your work and personal life. This could include psychotherapy or medication. It is important to take the time to comprehend your symptoms and how they affect your life is important and will help to guide the treatment you receive.
The primary symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Although we all demonstrate certain behaviors at times, people with ADHD experience them more frequently than other people and to a greater extent. These symptoms can cause serious issues in their lives and have a negative effect on their relationships, their work performance, and general well-being.
ADHD can make it hard to listen, concentrate and follow instructions. It can cause problems at home and in school and cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also make people feel restless and fidgety, and result in them having difficulty organizing and planning tasks. It can lead to trouble with keeping track of appointments and obligations, and also causing people to forget things such as money, keys or the mobile phone.
ADHD symptoms can also cause problems with eating and sleeping which can adversely impact overall well-being and health. In certain cases, untreated ADHD may be associated with 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 require a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. 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 recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your requirements.
You may be 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 obtain an agreement on shared care for medication with your GP to ensure that you pay NHS prescription costs (as long as your GP agrees to this and you have been stabilised). This is possible at a cost.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a crucial first step to find the right treatment for your issues. Treatment can vary depending on your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. It could be medication, cognitive behavior therapy or coaching. The best choice is to seek a thorough evaluation and diagnosis by a specialist in adult ADHD. If your doctor is unwilling to refer you, ask for an appointment with a private healthcare clinic like Priory or another well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They are experts in identifying ADHD and will provide you with an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is more difficult than in children, because the symptom guides used by psychologists were created to help identify issues in children. The specialist will also conduct a physical examination and will use questionnaires. Some doctors may even conduct an MRI of your brain to determine if your brain functions as it should.
A thorough evaluation of ADHD will also include a mental health check as around 80% of adults with ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order to be properly assessed, you should always visit an expert psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.
If you're not sure whom to call to get an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance company to determine which professionals are on the network and have the knowledge to identify adult ADHD. You can also contact your local chapter of 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 a professional.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test and an interview with a psychologist, as well as the completion of various validated assessments. The outcome of the test will be a detailed report that your specialist will directly send to your GP or write an email.
Medication
If you have symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek assistance from a professional. Your first step should be to visit your GP (family doctor) and request that they send you to an assessment. The GP will assess your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will typically refer you to a specialist when they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
If you're referred to a specialist you must make an appointment with them. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, family history and history. They will also review the current health status and lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medication to control your symptoms. They will talk about the potential risks and benefits of the medication and decide which option is best for you.
Stimulants are medications that are used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It works by increasing activity in the brain. It can be prescribed as tablets with immediate release which are taken 2 or 3 times per day or as modified release tablets which are taken once per day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate can be used in adults, teenagers and children. Your specialist will discuss the recommended duration of the medication with you.
Some media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment may make it appear as if these clinics are "shady". One such example is the BBC Panorama documentary, originally titled The ADHD Scandal. It later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Expose.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demands for ADHD assessments and treatment. This should not, however be a hindrance to those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Even if a specialist charges for their services does not mean they can ignore research-based practices or evade the rules. 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 as well.
Treatment
Finding the correct diagnosis for ADHD is an essential step to manage your symptoms. Your physician may recommend you to a private speciality clinic like a Priory hospital or a wellbeing center to conduct an assessment. The clinic will give you the complete report of the results. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead 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, for example, at school, home or at work, as well as with your friends. You might also be asked to bring a family member along with you to offer assistance. Your therapist will utilize the information you provide to formulate the treatment plan specifically tailored to your requirements. They will look at your symptoms, their impact on different situations, as well as your current life challenges. They will also suggest any other therapies that could be beneficial, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough evaluation your doctor will prescribe medication. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, age and other factors. They'll also determine if other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder may be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough examination is necessary for an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes taking medical history, conducting physical and psychological tests, and analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will also discuss any other health issues you've experienced and will also search for any other possible causes of your symptoms such as thyroid issues or depression.
In some cases a psychiatrist or doctor may decide that you don't meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. This might be because the list of symptoms isn't enough, or it might be that a different disorder is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with your decision you can seek a second read more opinion from another psychiatrist or GP.
In addition to prescribing medication and therapists, your psychologist can also assist you in developing strategies for dealing 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 will also give you assistance and guidance to develop a a positive self-image so that you can overcome your symptoms.