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 looking for a private ADHD diagnosis because they don't want to wait for a referral from the NHS. It could take months to be an appointment with your GP.
Symptoms
There are a variety of treatment options if you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your personal and professional life. They include medication or psychotherapy. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life will help you choose the best treatment.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are the main signs and symptoms for adult ADHD. While we all display certain of these behaviors in a few instances, those with ADHD exhibit them more frequently and in greater amounts. These symptoms cause significant problems in their lives and may affect relationships and work performance as well as general wellbeing.
ADHD can make it hard to concentrate, listen, and follow instructions. It can lead to problems at school and at home and may cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also make people feel restless and fidgety and cause problems with planning and organising tasks. It can lead to difficulties with appointments and obligations. It can also lead to forgetting important items like keys, money or mobile phones.
ADHD symptoms can also lead to problems with eating and sleep and can have a negative impact on overall well-being and health. In certain cases, untreated ADHD can be linked to depression and anxiety.
There is no cure for ADHD however treatment can help improve your symptoms and lessen the impact they have on your daily life. You'll need a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. You will be asked to write down the symptoms and how they impact your daily life, including your family, work and social life. The doctor will then suggest the most effective treatment plan for you.
You may be referred 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 is possible at an additional fee.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in finding the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options can differ based on your symptoms and impact they have on your daily life. It could be medication, cognitive behavioral therapy or coaching. The best choice is a thorough evaluation and diagnoses by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unwilling to recommend you, request the referral of a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or any other well-known hospital that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They are experts in determining ADHD and will provide you with a clear diagnosis within a couple of weeks.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children due to the symptom guidelines utilized by psychologists are actually designed to identify problems in kids. Apart from taking a medical history, the specialist will likely conduct a medical interview, and may also employ questionnaires. Some doctors might even conduct an examination of the brain to determine whether your brain is functioning as it should.
A thorough assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as around 80 percent of adults with ADHD also suffer from another disorder such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed it is crucial to visit a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained in mental health.
If you're unsure of who to ask to get an evaluation or a diagnosis, talk to your GP or call your insurance company. They can tell you which doctors have experience diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the network. Alternately, you could contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your area. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group if they have any recommendations for a professional.
A complete ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours to complete. It includes an online test, a clinic interview and various assessments that are validated. The outcome of the assessment is a detailed report that your specialist can send to your GP or write to third parties.
Medication
If the symptoms of ADHD are affecting your daily life or relationships you must seek help from a professional. First, visit your GP and ask for an appointment to conduct an assessment. The GP will evaluate your symptoms and examine documents like school reports. They will typically refer you to a specialist when they believe you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
You should schedule an appointment with the specialist after having been recommended. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms including family history, and your medical history. They will also evaluate your current health and your lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medications to manage your symptoms. They will talk about the risks and benefits of the medication and determine which one is the best choice for you.
The medications used to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It enhances brain activity and can be prescribed in tablets with immediate release that are taken two or three time each day or modified release tablets that are taken one time each week and released over the day. Methylphenidate is appropriate for adolescents, adults 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 example of this is the BBC Panorama documentary that was originally named The ADHD Scandal, but was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments as well as treatment and assessment. However, this shouldn't hinder the fact that those who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Even if a specialist charges for their services does not mean that they are able to ignore evidence-based practices or deviate from the rules. They must nevertheless adhere to the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for doctors, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists alike.
Treatment
The right diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to managing your symptoms. Your physician might suggest a private clinic for assessment for ADHD, such as Priory Hospital or a wellbeing centre. The clinic will give you the complete report of your here findings. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live an enjoyable life.
The first step is to fill out the questionnaire. In general, it will require you to rate your conduct in various situations, such as at home, school or at work and with your friends. You may be asked to bring along an individual from your family to provide assistance. Your Therapist will utilize this information to develop an individual treatment plan. They will assess your symptoms, their impact on different situations, as well as your current issues in life. They will also suggest alternative treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After you've been assessed the doctor will prescribe medication if necessary. They'll consider your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also consider whether other disorders like bipolar, anxiety, depression disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
To determine a correct ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is needed. 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, such as thyroid issues or depression.
In some instances the psychiatrist or GP may determine that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because the symptom list isn't enough, or it might be that another condition better explains your symptoms. If you're not happy with your decision, you can request an opinion from a different doctor or psychiatrist.
In addition to prescribing medication as well, your psychologist will assist you in developing strategies for coping with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how to deal with your symptoms at school or at work, as well as at home. They will also give you assistance and advice on developing a a positive self-image so that you can overcome your symptoms.