ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is calling them to account. It is claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people are seeking a private ADHD diagnosis because they don't want wait for a referral from the NHS. It can take months to get an appointment with your GP.
Signs and symptoms
There are many treatment options if you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your personal and professional life. This may include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact on your life is vital and will aid in guiding the treatment you receive.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention are the main symptoms of adult ADHD. While we all display some of these behaviors at times, those who suffer from ADHD do so more often and with greater frequency. These issues can cause significant issues in their lives and have a negative effect on their relationships, work performance and general well-being.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate and listen to instructions. It can cause issues at home and in school and cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also cause people to feel restless and fidgety, and result in them having difficulty planning and organizing tasks. It can lead to difficulties with appointments and obligations. It can also cause people to forget important things like money, keys or mobile phones.
ADHD symptoms can also cause problems with eating and sleep and can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. Unmanaged ADHD is often related to anxiety and depression.
There is no cure for ADHD, but treatment can improve your symptoms and decrease the effects they have on your life. You'll require a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They will ask you to explain how the symptoms affect your day-to-day activities and whether they have an adverse impact on your work, home and social life. The doctor will then suggest the best treatment strategy for you.
You can be directed 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 get an agreement to share care for medication with your GP to ensure that you only pay NHS prescription costs (as as your GP agrees to this and you've been stabilized). This is possible at an additional cost.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options vary based on your symptoms and impact they have on your daily life. It could be medication, cognitive behavioral therapy or coaching. The best approach is to get an in-depth evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unable to recommend you, you can request a referral to an private healthcare clinic like Priory or another well-known hospital or wellbeing centre that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists are skilled 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 in children due to the symptom guides used by psychologists were designed to help identify issues in children. Besides taking your medical history, the specialist will likely conduct a medical interview and may also use questionnaires. Some doctors will even perform an MRI of your brain to determine if your brain functions as it should.
A complete assessment will include a mental screening as 80percent of people suffering from ADHD also have another condition such as autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed it is essential to see a psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in the field of mental health.
If you're not sure who to ask for an evaluation or diagnosis, talk to your GP or call your insurance company. They will be able to tell you which doctors have expertise in diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the network. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD for recommendations of professionals in your area. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group to recommend an expert.
A thorough ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours to complete and includes an online test, a medical interview and the completion of various assessments that are validated. The results of the test will be a detailed report that your doctor can send get more info directly to your GP or in an email.
Medication
If you have symptoms of ADHD and they are impacting your relationships or daily life, you should seek out help from an expert. Your first step should be to visit your GP (family doctor) and ask them to send you to an assessment. The GP will be able to assess your symptoms and read documents like school reports. They will usually only refer you to a specialist if they believe you meet the criteria for diagnosis.
Once you are recommended to a specialist, you should attend an appointment with them. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms including family history, and your medical history. They will also review your current health and life style. They might suggest you take medications to manage your symptoms. They will explain the advantages and risks of the medications and work out which is best for you.
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat ADHD. The most frequently used medication is methylphenidate. It is a stimulant in the brain. It can be prescribed as immediate-release tablets which are taken 2 or 3 times per day or as modified release tablets which are taken once per day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is available for adults, teenagers and children. Your specialist will discuss the duration of the medication with you.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could make it appear as if these clinics' are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary, initially titled The ADHD Scandal but later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, is a good example.
There is no doubt that the NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments and treatment. However, this should not hinder those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Even if a specialist is charged for their services does not mean they are able to ignore research-based practices or evade the rules. They must adhere to guidelines set out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. That is true of doctors, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists alike.
Treatment
The right diagnosis of ADHD is crucial for managing your symptoms. Your doctor may refer you to an individual speciality clinic like a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The clinic will provide you with a full report of the results. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead an enjoyable life.
The first step of the process is a questionnaire. In general, it will require you to rate your behavior in different situations, for example, at school, home or at work, as well as with your friends. You might be asked to bring an individual from your family to provide assistance. Your therapist will use the information you provide to formulate an individual treatment plan tailored to your needs. They will look at your symptoms and how they impact you in various contexts, and also your current challenges in life. They will also recommend other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After you've completed an assessment and your doctor has prescribed medication if necessary. They'll take into account your symptoms, your age, and other factors. They'll also look at whether other conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough examination is necessary to make an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes taking medical history, conducting psychological and physical tests and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will ask about any other health problems you've had and check for other possible causes for your symptoms, like thyroid issues or depression.
In certain instances, a GP or psychiatrist might determine that you do not meet the criteria for being 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 happy with the outcome you can seek an additional opinion from a different psychiatrist or GP.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you develop strategies to cope with the challenges of living with ADHD. They will give you advice on how to cope with your symptoms at school, at home and at work. They'll also provide guidance and support in developing an ideal self-image to help you overcome the effects of your symptoms.