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 private clinics are over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people are looking for an independent 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.
Signs and symptoms
If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact on your professional and personal life There are options for treatment. This may include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life will allow you choose the best treatment.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are the main symptoms of adult ADHD. While we all display certain behaviors at times, those who suffer from ADHD do so more often and to a greater degree. These symptoms can cause significant issues in their lives and can impact on relationships and work performance as well as general well-being.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate and listen, as well as follow instructions. It can create problems at school and home and cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety, and may cause difficulties with organising and planning tasks. It can cause problems with keeping appointments and responsibilities, and can also cause people to lose things like money, keys or the mobile phone.
ADHD symptoms can cause issues with sleep and eating and can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. In some cases, unmanaged ADHD may be associated with anxiety and depression.
There is no cure for ADHD however, treatment can help you improve your symptoms and reduce the impact they can have on your life. You will require a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional to discuss your issues. They will ask you to describe how your symptoms impact your day-to-day life and whether they have a negative impact on your home, 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 contact Priory yourself and arrange 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 only pay NHS prescription charges (as that your GP agrees to this and you've been stabilized). This is possible at a cost.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. Depending on the individual manifestations and the way they affect your daily life, treatment options can vary from medication to cognitive behavioral therapy to coaching. The best choice is a thorough evaluation and diagnoses by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unwilling to provide you with a referral, request an appointment with an independent healthcare clinic like Priory or another well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists have expertise in identifying ADHD and can give you an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD for adults can be more difficult than for children due to the symptom guides utilized by psychologists were developed to help identify issues in children. In addition to taking your medical history, your specialist will likely conduct a medical interview and may also use questionnaires. Some doctors might even perform a brain scan to determine if your brain is working as it should.
A complete assessment will include a mental screening, as 80% of adults with ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, you should always consult a specialist psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.
If you are unsure who to call for an evaluation or diagnosis, talk to your GP or call your insurance company. They can tell you which doctors 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 for recommendations of professionals in your area. Finally, if there's an ADHD support group in your area you can ask for recommendations from those who are part of the group.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test as well as an interview with a clinician and the completion of a variety of validated assessments. The result of the test is a detailed report that your doctor can send to your GP or send 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 an expert. Your first step should be to visit your GP (family doctor) and ask them to recommend you for an assessment. The GP will assess your symptoms and review documents like school reports. They typically only refer you to a specialist when they believe that you meet the criteria for diagnosis.
You should schedule an appointment to see the specialist once you have been recommended. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms including family history, and your medical history. They will also evaluate the current state of your health and your lifestyle. They may suggest medication to control your symptoms. They will explain the benefits and risks of the medication and work out which is best for you.
Medications to treat ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It improves brain activity and can be prescribed in immediate-release tablets that are taken three or two times each day or modified release tablets that are taken once every week and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate can be used in teens, adults and children. Your doctor will inform you how long you'll need to take the medication.
Some media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment may create the impression that these clinics are "shady". private adhd assessment london , originally called The ADHD Scandal and later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is a great illustration.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to cope with demands for ADHD assessments and treatment. However, this should not hinder the fact that people who wish to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Even if a specialist charges for their services, doesn't mean they can ignore research-based practices or evade the rules. They must nevertheless adhere to the guidelines set by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for GPs, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
The correct diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to managing your symptoms. Your doctor might recommend an assessment at a private clinic, such as Priory Hospital or a wellness center. The clinic will provide you with complete information about the results. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead a more enjoyable lifestyle.
The first step in the process is to complete a questionnaire. It will typically ask you to rate your behave in various situations. For example at work, school or with friends. You might be asked to bring along an individual from your family to provide support. Your therapist will utilize this information to develop an individual treatment plan. They will assess your symptoms and how they impact you in different contexts and also your current challenges in life. They will also recommend other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After you've completed an assessment, your doctor will prescribe medication if needed. They'll consider your symptoms, your age, and other aspects. They'll also look at whether other medical conditions such as bipolar, anxiety, depression disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
To determine a correct ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is needed. This involves taking a medical history, conducting psychological and physical tests, as well as analysing your responses to the questions. The doctor will also discuss any other health issues that you've encountered and will also search for any other possible causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or depression.
In some cases a psychiatrist or a doctor might decide that you do not meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. It could be that the symptoms are too broad, or that an alternative condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you're not satisfied with the decision you can seek a second opinion from another doctor or psychiatrist.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you develop strategies for dealing with the difficulties of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how to deal with your issues at school or at work, as well as at home. They'll also offer you guidance and support in developing confidence in yourself, to help you overcome the effects of your symptoms.