ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
An investigation by BBC Panorama is holding private clinics that diagnose ADHD to take account. It is claimed that private clinics are over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people are looking for a private 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.
Symptoms
There are many treatment options if you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your work and personal life. They include medication or psychotherapy. Understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life can help you select the appropriate treatment.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are the main signs and symptoms for adult ADHD. While we all exhibit some of these behaviours at times, people who have ADHD are more likely to experience them than others and in greater quantity. These issues can cause significant issues in their lives and can have a negative impact on their relationships, work performance, and overall well-being.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen and follow directions. It can cause issues at school as well as at home, and can cause people to feel overwhelmed and annoyed. It can also make people feel anxious and fidgety and result in them having difficulty planning and organizing their tasks. It can cause problems with keeping appointments and responsibilities, and also causing people to forget things like keys, money, or the mobile phone.
The symptoms of ADHD can also cause problems with eating and sleeping and can have a negative effect on overall health and wellbeing. Unmanaged ADHD is often associated with anxiety and depression.
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 another qualified healthcare provider. They will ask you to describe how the symptoms affect your daily 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 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're diagnosed with adult ADHD, it is possible to sign an agreement to share care for medication with your GP to ensure that you pay NHS prescription costs (as long as your GP accepts this and you've been stabilized). This can be done at an additional cost.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards finding the best treatment for your symptoms. Depending on the individual manifestations and the way they affect your life, treatment may vary from medication to cognitive behavior therapy to coaching. The best choice is an in-depth evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unwilling to provide you with a referral, request an appointment with a private healthcare clinic like Priory or any other reputable hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can provide a clear diagnosis in just a few short weeks.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children because the guidelines for identifying symptoms used by psychologists are really designed to identify problems in children. Besides taking your medical history, your doctor will likely conduct a clinical interview, and may also employ questionnaires. Some doctors might even perform a brain scan to see whether your brain is functioning in the way it should.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as around 80 percent of adults who have ADHD also have another condition such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, it is important to visit a psychiatrist psychologist who is trained in the field of mental health.
If you're not sure who to contact for an evaluation or diagnosis, talk to your GP or call your insurance company. They can inform you which doctors have experience diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the network. Alternately, you could call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to request recommendations for professionals in your region. Ask those who belong to an ADHD support group if they have any recommendations for an expert.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test as well as a clinical interview and the completion of a variety of validated assessments. The outcome of the test will be a detailed report that your doctor can directly send to your GP or write a letter.
Medication
If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they are affecting your relationships or daily life, you should seek help from a professional. You should first visit your GP and request an appointment for an assessment. The GP can evaluate your symptoms and look over documents like school reports. They typically only refer you to a specialist when they believe you meet the criteria for diagnosis.
Once you are referred to a specialist you must make an appointment with them. The doctor will review your symptoms, medical history and family history. They will also assess the current health status and lifestyle. They may suggest medication to treat your symptoms. They will go over the risks and benefits of the medication and determine which one is the best choice for you.
Medications to treat ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity of the brain and can be prescribed as tablets that are immediate-release and which are taken twice or three times a day, or modified release tablets that are taken one time a week and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adolescents, adults and children. Your specialist will discuss with you the duration you should be taking the medication.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment can give an impression that these clinics are "shady". One example of this is the BBC Panorama documentary originally named The ADHD Scandal, but later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed.
There is no doubt that the NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments and treatment. But, this should not hinder the fact that people who wish to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should have access to high-quality healthcare. Even if a specialist charges for their services does not mean they can disregard research-based practices or evade the rules. They must adhere to the guidelines set by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for GPs, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial for managing your symptoms. Your physician may refer you to an assessment at a private clinic like Priory Hospital or a wellness center. The clinic will give you the complete report of the results. In addition, they'll help you manage your symptoms so that you can live a more fulfilling life and improve your overall health.
The first step is to fill out the questionnaire. This will usually ask you to rate how you behave in various situations. For example at work, school or with friends. You may be asked to bring someone from your family for assistance. Your therapist will utilize the details you provide to develop the treatment plan specifically tailored to your requirements. They will assess your symptoms and how they impact you in different situations and also your current challenges in life. They will also recommend other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough evaluation your doctor will prescribe medication. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, age, and other aspects. They'll also look at whether other conditions like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough examination is necessary to make an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes read more taking medical history, conducting physical and psychological tests and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will also discuss any other health issues you've had and will also look for other potential causes of your symptoms such as thyroid problems or depression.
In some cases the psychiatrist or GP may decide that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. This could be due to the fact that the list of symptoms 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've made you may request an alternative opinion. This can be from an GP or psychiatrist.
In addition to prescribing medications as well, your psychologist will assist you in establishing strategies for coping with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They will give you advice on how to manage your issues at school, at home and at work. They'll also provide assistance and guidance in developing a a healthy self-image, so that you can overcome the effects of your symptoms.