ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is making them accountable. They are alleged to be over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people want to get a private diagnosis for ADHD because they feel they cannot wait for an NHS referral. It could take months to get an appointment with your GP.
Symptoms
There are many options for treatment if you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your work and personal life. These include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life will allow you select the appropriate treatment.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention are the primary signs and symptoms for adult ADHD. While we all exhibit some of these behaviors in a few instances, those with ADHD are more likely to do so and to a greater degree. These symptoms can cause serious issues in their lives and have a negative impact on their relationships, work performance, and overall health.
ADHD can make it hard to concentrate, listen and follow instructions. It can cause issues at school and home and cause people to feel frustrated and overwhelmed. It can also cause people to feel restless and fidgety, and cause them to have difficulty planning and organizing their tasks. It can lead to issues with appointments and responsibilities. It can also cause people to forget important things like keys, money, or mobile phones.
The signs of ADHD can also cause problems with eating and sleeping which can have a negative effect on overall health and wellbeing. In certain cases, untreated ADHD may be associated with depression and anxiety.
There is no cure for ADHD however, treatment can help you improve your symptoms and reduce the impact they have on your daily life. You'll need a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms. They will ask you to describe how your symptoms impact your day-to-day activities and whether they have a negative impact on your home, work and social life. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment plan for you.
You are able to be directed by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory to arrange for an assessment yourself. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to obtain an agreement on shared care for medication with your GP to ensure that you only pay NHS prescription charges (as long you and your GP agrees to this and you have been stabilised). This can be arranged for an additional cost.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options can differ based on your symptoms and impact they have on your life. It could be medication, cognitive therapy or coaching. The best choice is to seek a thorough evaluation and diagnosis by a specialist in adult ADHD. If your doctor refuses to refer you, ask for an appointment with an independent healthcare clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can provide you with a clear diagnosis within a couple of 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. In addition to taking your medical history, your doctor is likely to conduct a clinical interview and may also use questionnaires. Some doctors may even do an examination of the brain to determine whether your brain is functioning as it should.
A thorough assessment will include a mental screening as the majority of people with ADHD also have another condition like autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, it is important to visit a psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.
If you're unsure of whom to call to get an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for recommendations or calling your insurance company to find out which specialists are part of the network and have the expertise to determine adult ADHD. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get recommendations for specialists in your area. Finally, if there's an ADHD support group in your local area Ask for recommendations from people who attend the group.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically lasts 1.5 hours and includes an online test and an interview with a clinician and the completion of various validated assessments. The result of the assessment will be a thorough report that your doctor can directly send to your GP or write a letter.
Medication
If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek out help from an expert. Your first step should be to visit your GP (family doctor) and ask them to refer you for an assessment. The GP will assess your symptoms and look over documents like school reports. They will typically refer you to a specialist if they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
You should make an appointment with the specialist once you have been referred. The specialist will go through your symptoms, your history and family history. They will also review your health and lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medication to control your symptoms. They will go over the potential risks and benefits of the medication and determine which one is the best choice for you.
Stimulants are medications that are used to treat ADHD. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It enhances brain activity and can be prescribed as tablets that are immediate-release and which are taken twice or three times each day or in modified release tablets that are taken once a week and released throughout the entire day. Methylphenidate is appropriate for adults, adolescents and children. private adhd assessments will discuss with you the duration you should be taking the medication.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment can create the impression that these clinics' are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary, initially titled The ADHD Scandal and later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is a good illustration.
There is no doubt that the NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments and treatment. However, this shouldn't hinder the fact that those who wish to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. The fact that the healthcare provider is charging for their services, it does not mean they are free to ignore the rules or disregard evidence-based practice. They must nevertheless adhere to the guidelines outlined by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists alike.
Treatment
Getting the right diagnosis for ADHD is an essential step to manage your symptoms. Your GP can refer you to an exclusive specialist clinic such as a Priory hospital or wellness center to conduct an assessment. The clinic will provide you with the complete report of the results. In addition, they will assist you in managing your symptoms so that you can live a happier life and improve your overall wellbeing.
The first step is to fill in an assessment form. It will typically ask you to rate how you behave in various situations. For example at work, school or with your friends. You may also be asked to bring a family member with you to offer support. Your counselor will use this information to create an individual treatment plan. They will examine your symptoms, their impact on different situations, as well as your current issues in life. They will also suggest other treatments that may be beneficial, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough assessment the doctor can prescribe medication. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, your age, and other factors. They'll also look at whether other conditions like bipolar, anxiety, depression disorder might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
A thorough examination is necessary for an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes taking a medical history, conducting tests of the psychological and physical, and analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will ask about any other health problems you have had and will look for other possible causes of your symptoms, like depression or thyroid issues.
In some cases a psychiatrist or doctor might decide that you do not meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because the symptoms are too broad or another condition is more suitable to explain your symptoms. If you're not pleased with the decision, you can request an opinion from a different psychiatrist or GP.
In addition to prescribing medication as well, your psychologist will help you develop strategies for coping with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how you can manage your issues at school as well as at work and at home. They will also offer assistance and guidance to develop a a positive self-image so that you can overcome your symptoms.