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 they are over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people seek a private diagnosis of ADHD because they feel they are unable to wait for an NHS referral. It could take months to be referred by your GP.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your personal and professional life There are options for treatment. This could include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they affect your life is vital and can help guide the treatment you receive.
The most prominent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. Although we all demonstrate certain behaviors at times, people who have ADHD are more likely to experience them than other people and more frequently. 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 difficult to concentrate, listen, and follow directions. It can cause problems in the classroom or at home and could cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also cause people to feel restless and fidgety and may cause difficulties with planning and organising tasks. It can cause problems with keeping track of appointments and obligations, as well as forgetting things such as keys, money, or the mobile phone.
Symptoms of ADHD can also cause issues with sleeping and eating and can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. Untreated ADHD is sometimes related to anxiety and depression.
ADHD is not curable, however treatment may help reduce symptoms and their impact on your life. You'll need to 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 home, work and social life. They will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your needs.
You can be recommended to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can contact Priory yourself and schedule an assessment. If you've been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to set up a shared care agreement with your GP to pay only NHS prescription charges. This is possible at an additional cost.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed as having ADHD is a crucial first step towards determining the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options vary based on your symptoms and impact they have on your life. It could be medication, cognitive behavior therapy or coaching. The best choice is an extensive evaluation and diagnosis from an adult ADHD specialist. If your GP refuses to provide you with a referral, request an appointment with a private healthcare clinic like Priory or any other well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. These experts are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide a clear diagnosis in just a few short weeks.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children due to the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are really focused on identifying issues in kids. Besides taking your medical history, your specialist will likely conduct a clinical interview and might also use questionnaires. Some doctors will even perform a brain scan in order to determine if your brain is functioning in the way it should.
A thorough assessment will include a mental screening since 80percent of people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other conditions like autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). To be able to properly assess the condition it is crucial to visit a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained in mental health.
If you're not sure who to ask to get an evaluation or a diagnosis, talk to your GP or contact your insurance company. They can tell you which doctors have experience diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the network. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD for recommendations of professionals in your region. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group to recommend an expert.
private adhd assessment for adults will typically take 1.5 hours to perform and includes an online test, a clinic interview and various validated assessments. The results of the test will be a comprehensive report that your specialist will send directly to your GP or write a letter.
Medication
If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your relationships or daily life, you should seek help from a professional. The first step is to visit your GP (family doctor) and ask them to refer you for an assessment. The GP can assess your symptoms and review documents like school reports. They typically only refer you to a specialist if they believe you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
If you're recommended to a specialist, you should make an appointment with them. The specialist will go through your symptoms, history and family history. They will also review the current state of your health and your lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medication to treat your symptoms. They will explain the advantages and risks of the medications and help you decide which is best for you.
Stimulants are medicines used to treat ADHD. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It is a stimulant in the brain. It can be prescribed as tablets that release immediately that are taken two or three times a day or as modified release tablets, which are taken once per day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is appropriate for adolescents, adults and children. Your specialist will discuss with you the length of time you should be taking the medication.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could make it appear as if these clinics' are "shady". One example is the BBC Panorama documentary that was originally titled The ADHD Scandal. It later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Expose.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments, treatment and assessment. But, this should not detract from the fact that those who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should have access to high-quality healthcare. The fact that a professional charges for their services does not mean they can ignore evidence-based practices or deviate from the rules. They must nevertheless adhere to 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
Finding the correct diagnosis for ADHD is an important step to manage your symptoms. Your GP may suggest an individual clinic for evaluation like Priory Hospital or a wellness centre. The clinic will provide you with complete information about your results. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live an enjoyable life.
The first step in the process is a questionnaire. It usually asks you to rate your behave in various situations. For instance, at work, school or with friends. You may be asked to bring a family member along with to provide assistance. Your Therapist will use this information to create an individual treatment plan. They will examine your symptoms, how they affect you in various contexts, and your current life difficulties. They may also suggest other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Once you've had an assessment the doctor will prescribe medication if needed. They'll consider your symptoms, age and other factors. They'll also look at whether other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder may be contributing to your ADHD.
To make a precise ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is needed. This involves taking a medical history, performing physical and psychological tests, and analyzing your responses to the questions. The doctor will talk with you about any other health issues you've experienced and will also search for any other possible causes of your symptoms such as a thyroid problem or depression.
In some cases the psychiatrist or GP may determine that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because the symptoms are too broad, or that an alternative condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If private psychiatrist adhd assessment satisfied with the choice you made you may request a second opinion. This can be from a psychiatrist or GP.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you develop strategies for dealing with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how you can manage your issues at school, at home and at work. They will also provide guidance and assistance in creating a confidence in yourself, so that you can conquer the effects of your symptoms.