ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation of 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 cannot wait for an NHS referral. Referrals from your GP can take a few months.
Symptoms
There are many treatment options for those suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact your work and personal life. These can include psychotherapy and/or medication. Taking the time to understand your symptoms and how they impact on your life is crucial and can help guide the treatment you receive.
The primary signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While we all exhibit certain of these behaviors at times, those with ADHD experience them more frequently than other people and more frequently. These issues can cause significant issues in their lives and can have a negative impact on their relationships, their work performance, and overall health.
ADHD can cause problems with concentration and listen, as well as follow instructions. It can cause problems in school and at home and may cause people to feel overwhelmed and annoyed. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety and make them have trouble planning and organizing their tasks. It can cause problems with keeping track of appointments and obligations, and also causing people to forget things such as keys, money, or the mobile phone.
ADHD symptoms can also lead to problems with eating and sleep and can have a negative impact on overall well-being and health. In some instances, untreated ADHD may be associated with depression and anxiety.
ADHD is not curable, but treatment can reduce symptoms and impact on your life. You'll require a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They will ask you to describe how the symptoms affect your day-to-day life and whether they have a negative impact on your home, work and social life. They will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your needs.
You can be directed to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can contact Priory yourself and request an assessment. If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to sign a shared care agreement for your medication with your GP to ensure that you pay NHS prescription charges (as you and your GP accepts this and you have been stabilised). This is possible at a cost.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. Depending on the individual manifestations and how they impact your life, treatment may differ from medication to cognitive behavioral therapy to coaching. The best approach is to get an extensive evaluation and diagnosis from a specialist in adult ADHD. If your GP refuses to recommend you, request the referral of a private health clinic like Priory or any other reputable hospital that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists have expertise in diagnosing ADHD and can provide you with a clear diagnosis within a few weeks.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children because the symptom guidelines utilized by psychologists are designed to identify problems in kids. Apart from taking a medical history, your doctor will likely conduct a medical interview, and may also employ questionnaires. Some doctors may even do a brain scan to determine if your brain is working as it should.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as about 80% of adults who have ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed it is crucial to visit a psychiatrist therapist who specializes in the field of mental health.
If you are unsure who to ask for an evaluation or diagnosis, consult your GP or call your insurance company. They can inform you which professionals are experienced in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are part of the network. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your area. Finally, if there's an ADHD support group in your community you can ask for recommendations from those who are members of the group.
A complete ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours to perform and includes an online test, a clinical interview and the completion of various assessments that are validated. The outcome of the test is a comprehensive report that your specialist will send to your GP or a letter to third parties.
Medication
If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek assistance from a professional. First, visit your GP and ask for an appointment to conduct an assessment. The GP will be able to assess your symptoms and look over documents like school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
You should make an appointment with the doctor after you have been sent to the specialist. The specialist will go through your symptoms, medical history and family history. They will also evaluate the current health status and your lifestyle. They may suggest that you website consider medications to manage your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of the medication and help you decide which one is the best choice for you.
Treatments for ADHD are known as stimulants. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity in the brain. It can be prescribed as tablets that release immediately that are taken two or three 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 with you how long you'll need to take the medication.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could give an impression that these clinics' are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary, initially named The ADHD Scandal, later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a good example.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD tests and treatments. However, this shouldn't be a reason to deny the fact that people who would like to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Even if a specialist is charged for their services does not mean they are able to ignore research-based practices or evade the rules. They must still follow the guidelines established by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists as well.
Treatment
The right diagnosis for ADHD is a crucial step to manage your symptoms. Your GP may recommend an assessment at a private clinic for ADHD, such as Priory Hospital or a wellbeing center. The clinic will provide you with the complete report of your results. In addition, they'll help you manage your symptoms to help you live a more satisfying life and improve your overall health.
The first step is to fill in a questionnaire. This will usually ask you to rate how you behave in different situations. For example, at work, school or with your friends. You may be asked to bring a family member with you for support. Your therapist will make use of this information to formulate an individualised treatment plan. They will assess your symptoms and how they impact you in different situations and the current issues you face. They will also suggest alternative therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough assessment the doctor can prescribe medication. They'll consider your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also look at whether other medical conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
A thorough examination is required to make an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes taking a medical history, conducting physical and psychological tests and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will inquire about any other health problems you have had and will examine other possible causes of your symptoms, including depression or thyroid issues.
In some instances, a GP or psychiatrist may decide that you do not meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. This could be due to the fact that the symptom list is a bit too broad or that a different disorder is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you are not satisfied with the decision made, you can ask for an alternative opinion. This can be done by the GP or a psychiatrist.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and assist you develop strategies for dealing with the difficulties of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how to cope with your symptoms at school, at home, and at work. They'll also provide guidance and assistance in creating a an ideal self-image so that you can conquer the effects of your symptoms.