ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is making them accountable. It is claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people are seeking a private diagnosis of ADHD because they believe they cannot wait for an NHS referral. Referrals from your GP can take a few months.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your personal and professional life, there are options for treatment. This includes psychotherapy or medication. Taking the time to understand your symptoms and how they impact on your life is crucial and will aid in guiding the treatment you receive.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and inattention are the most prominent signs and symptoms for adult ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these behaviors at times, those with ADHD are more likely to do so and with greater frequency. These symptoms cause significant problems in their lives, and they can impact relationships and work performance as well as general well-being.
ADHD can make it hard to concentrate, listen and follow instructions. It can cause issues in school as well as at home, and can cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also make people be irritable and tense and can cause difficulty with planning and organising tasks. It can lead to issues with appointments and responsibilities. It can also cause people to forget important items like keys, money or mobile phones.
ADHD symptoms can cause issues with sleep and eating and can have a negative impact on overall well-being and health. If not managed, ADHD is often related to anxiety and depression.
ADHD is not curable, however treatment can reduce symptoms and their impact on your life. You will require a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. You will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact your daily routine, including your family, work, and social life. The doctor will then suggest the best treatment strategy for you.
You may be directed to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can call Priory yourself and schedule an assessment. If you have been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to set up a shared care agreement with your GP to pay only NHS prescription costs. This can be done at an additional fee.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a crucial first step to find the best treatment for your symptoms. Treatment can vary depending on your symptoms and impact they have on your life. It could be medication, cognitive therapy or coaching. The best approach is to seek an extensive evaluation and diagnosis by a specialist in adult ADHD. If your GP is unwilling to refer you, you can ask for a referral to a private health clinic such as Priory or another well-known health or wellness centre that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists have expertise in identifying ADHD and will provide you with an accurate diagnosis within a few weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is more difficult than it is for children because the symptom guides used by psychologists were created to detect problems in children. Besides taking your medical history, your specialist will likely conduct a clinical interview and may also use questionnaires. Some doctors might even perform an examination of the brain to determine if your brain is working the way it should.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as around 80 percent of people who have ADHD also have another condition like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, it is important to visit a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained in mental health.
If you're unsure of whom to call for an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance provider to find out who is in the network and have the expertise to identify adult ADHD. Alternately, you could call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your region. Finally, if there's an ADHD support group in your local area Ask for recommendations from people who are part of the group.
A thorough ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours to complete. It includes an online test, a clinic interview, and the completion of several validated assessments. The results of the test will be a detailed report which your specialist can directly send to your GP or in an email.
Medication
If the symptoms of ADHD are affecting your daily life or your relationships You should seek professional help. The first step is to visit your GP (family doctor) and request that they refer you for an assessment. The GP will 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 of a diagnosis.
You should schedule an appointment with the specialist after having been referred. The specialist will go through your symptoms, your history and family history. They will also evaluate your current health and life style. They may suggest medication to help control your symptoms. They will go over the potential risks and benefits of the medication and decide which one is the best choice for you.
Stimulants are medications that are used to treat ADHD. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity in the brain and can be prescribed as tablets that release immediately which are taken 2 or 3 times per day or as modified release tablets that are taken every day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate can be used in adolescents, adults, and children. Your doctor will explain to you the length of time you should take the medication.
Unfortunately, certain media coverage of private ADHD assessments and treatments can give the impression that these clinics are'shady'. One example is the BBC Panorama documentary that was originally named The ADHD Scandal, but was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Explicit.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD tests and treatments. However, 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. Simply because the healthcare provider is charging for their services, it does not mean they can bend the rules or ignore evidence-based practice. They must nevertheless adhere to the guidelines set by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is also true for GPs, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial for managing your symptoms. Your GP can recommend you to an exclusive speciality clinic like a Priory hospital or wellness center for an assessment. 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 lead an enjoyable life.
The first step is to fill out a questionnaire. It usually asks you to rate how you behave in different situations. For example, at work, school or with friends. You might also be asked to bring a family member with you to offer support. Your therapist will use the details you provide to develop a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. They will assess your symptoms, their effects in different situations, and also your current challenges in life. They will also suggest alternative treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough evaluation, your doctor may prescribe medication. They will consider your symptoms, your age and other factors. They'll also take into consideration whether other medical conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
A thorough examination is necessary to establish an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes taking a medical history, taking physical and psychological tests and here analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will also discuss any other health issues you've experienced and will also search for other possible causes of your symptoms such as a thyroid problem or depression.
In certain instances a psychiatrist or a doctor might determine that you do not meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because your symptoms are too broad or an alternative condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you're not pleased with your decision you may request an opinion from a different psychiatrist or GP.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and assist you develop strategies to cope with the difficulties of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how to manage your issues at school, at work and at home. They'll also provide guidance and support in developing confidence in yourself, so that you can overcome the effects of your symptoms.