ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
An investigation by BBC Panorama is holding private clinics that diagnose ADHD to take account. They are alleged to be over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people are looking for an individual ADHD diagnosis because they don't want wait for a referral from the NHS. It could take months to get referred by your GP.
Symptoms
There are many options for treatment if you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your personal and professional lives. This includes psychotherapy or medication. It is important to take the time to comprehend your symptoms and how they affect your life is crucial and can help guide the treatment you receive.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are the main symptoms of adult ADHD. While we all exhibit certain behaviors at times, those with ADHD do so more often and with greater frequency. These issues can cause major issues in their lives and can have a negative impact on their relationships, their work performance, and overall health.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen and follow instructions. It can cause issues at home and at school, and make people feel frustrated and overwhelmed. It can also make people feel agitated and irritable, and cause them to have difficulty planning and organizing 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.
Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to issues with sleeping and eating, which can have a negative effect on overall health and well-being. Untreated ADHD is sometimes associated with anxiety and depression.
There is no cure for ADHD however treatment can improve your symptoms and decrease the effects they can have on your life. You'll need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider. 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. They will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your requirements.
You could be referred by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or contact Priory to arrange for an evaluation yourself. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to sign an agreement on shared care for medication with your GP so that you only pay NHS prescription costs (as that your GP agrees and you've been stabilized). This can be arranged for an additional cost.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards finding the best treatment for your symptoms. Based on the specific symptoms you experience and how they impact your daily life, treatment options can vary from medication to cognitive behavioral therapy to coaching. The best option is an in-depth evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unable to recommend you, you can ask for a referral to an private healthcare clinic like Priory or another well-known health or wellness centre that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They are experts in identifying ADHD and can provide you with a clear diagnosis within a few weeks.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children due to the guidelines for identifying symptoms used by psychologists are really focused on identifying issues in children. Apart from taking a medical history, your doctor will likely conduct a medical interview and may also use questionnaires. Some doctors will even perform a brain scan in order to determine if your brain functions as it should.
A complete assessment will include a mental health screening since 80percent of people suffering from ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed, you should always see a psychiatrist who is an expert or a therapist that specializes in mental health.
If you're unsure of who to ask for an evaluation or diagnosis, ask your GP or call your insurance company. They can tell you which professionals are experienced in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are part of the network. Alternatively, you can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your area. Finally, if there's an ADHD support group in your community Ask for recommendations from people who are part of the group.
A thorough ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test as well as an interview with a psychologist, as well as the completion of several valid assessments. The result of the assessment will be a detailed report which your specialist can direct to your GP or in a letter.
Medication
If your symptoms of ADHD are impacting your daily life or relationships, you should seek professional help. You should first visit your GP and request an appointment for an assessment. The GP will examine 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 schedule an appointment with the doctor after you have been referred. The doctor will discuss your symptoms, your history and family history. They will also evaluate your current health and life style. They may suggest medication to treat your symptoms. They will explain the advantages and risks of the medications and determine which one is best for you.
The medications used to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It enhances the activity of the brain and can be prescribed as tablets that are immediate-release and taken two or three time each day, or modified release tablets taken once every week and released throughout the entire day. Methylphenidate is available for teens, adults and children. Your specialist will discuss how long you should take the medication with you.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment may give an impression that these clinics' are "shady". One example of this is the BBC Panorama documentary that was originally called The ADHD Scandal. It later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Expose.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to cope with demands for ADHD tests and treatments. But, this should not detract from the fact that those who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Just 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 follow the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. That more info is true of GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists alike.
Treatment
The right diagnosis of ADHD is essential to manage your symptoms. Your GP may refer you to an individual specialist clinic such as an Priory hospital or wellness center for an assessment. The clinic will provide you with a complete report of your results. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead a more enjoyable lifestyle.
The first step is to fill in a questionnaire. Typically, this will ask you to rate your behaviours in different situations, like at school, home, work and with friends. You may be asked to bring a family member along with to provide support. Your therapist will utilize the information you provide to create an individual treatment plan specifically tailored to your requirements. They will look at your symptoms and how they affect you in various contexts, and your current life difficulties. They will also suggest other treatments that might be beneficial, for instance, cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT).
After you've been assessed and your doctor has prescribed medication if necessary. They'll consider your symptoms, your age and other factors. They'll also take into consideration whether other disorders like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
A thorough exam is essential for an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes taking medical history, taking tests of the psychological and physical and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will talk with you about any other health issues that you've encountered and will also look for any other possible causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or depression.
In some cases, a GP or psychiatrist 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 happy with the outcome you may request an additional opinion from a different psychiatrist or GP.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you develop strategies for dealing with the difficulties of living with ADHD. They will offer you advice on how you can manage your symptoms at school or at work, as well as at home. They will also give you support and guidance in developing confidence in yourself to help you overcome your symptoms.