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 private clinics over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people are looking for an independent ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that they don't want wait for a referral from NHS. Referrals from your GP can take several months.
Signs and symptoms
There are many options for treatment for those suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your personal and professional life. This could include psychotherapy or medication. It is important to take the time to comprehend your symptoms and how they affect your life is important and will help to guide the treatment you receive.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are the main symptoms and signs of adult ADHD. While we all exhibit certain behaviors at times, those with ADHD suffer from them more often than other people and in greater quantity. These issues can cause major problems in their life and can have a negative impact on their relationships, work performance and overall well-being.
ADHD can make it difficult to listen, concentrate and follow instructions. It can lead to problems at school or at home and could cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to be irritable and tense and can cause difficulty with planning and organising tasks. It can cause problems with appointments and responsibilities. It can also cause people to forget important items like keys, money, or mobile phones.
The signs of ADHD can also lead to problems with eating and sleeping, which can have a negative effect on overall health and well-being. Unmanaged ADHD is often associated with anxiety and depression.
ADHD is not curable, however treatment can reduce symptoms and their impact on your life. You'll need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare professional. You will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact your daily life, including your work, family and social life. They will then suggest the best treatment plan for your requirements.
You are able to be recommended by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or contact Priory to arrange for an assessment yourself. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD, it is possible to sign a shared care agreement for medication with your GP to ensure that you only pay NHS prescription costs (as that your GP agrees and you have been stabilised). This is possible at a cost.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to finding the best treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options vary based on the severity of your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. It could be medication, cognitive therapy or coaching. The best option is to get an accurate diagnosis and evaluation from a specialist in adult ADHD. If your doctor refuses to recommend you, request the referral of a private health clinic such as Priory or any other well-known hospital that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can give a clear diagnosis to you within only a few weeks.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children because the guidelines for identifying symptoms used by psychologists are actually focused on identifying issues in children. Apart from taking a medical history, your specialist will likely conduct a clinical interview, and may also employ questionnaires. Some doctors may even conduct an examination of the brain to determine if your brain functions as it should.
A complete evaluation will include a more info mental health screening, as the majority of people with ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, always consult a specialist psychiatrist or a therapist who is specialized in mental health.
If you're not sure who to call to get an evaluation and diagnosis, you might consider asking your GP for a recommendation or calling your insurance company to find out which specialists are part of the network and have the expertise to identify adult ADHD. Alternatively, you can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find recommendations for professionals in your region. If there's an ADHD support group in your local area Ask for recommendations from people who attend the group.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment will typically take 1.5 hours to complete and includes an online test, a clinical interview and the completion of various validated assessments. The result of the assessment will be a comprehensive report which your specialist can send directly to your GP or write an email.
Medication
If the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your daily life or relationships, you should seek out professional help. First, you should visit your GP and ask for an appointment for an assessment. The GP can evaluate your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will typically refer you to a specialist if they believe that you meet the criteria for diagnosis.
You should make an appointment with the doctor after you have been sent to the specialist. The doctor will review your symptoms, medical history and family history. They will also review your current health and your lifestyle. They may suggest medications to manage your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of the medications and help you decide which is the best option for you.
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat ADHD. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It works by increasing activity in the brain. It can be prescribed as tablets that release immediately, taken two or three times per day, or as modified release tablets, that are taken every day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adolescents, adults and children. Your doctor will discuss the duration of the medication with you.
Some media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could create the impression that these clinics' are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary named The ADHD Scandal and later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a great example.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to cope with demands for ADHD assessments and treatment. However, this shouldn't be a hindrance to those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Even if a specialist charges for their services doesn't mean they can disregard evidence-based practices or bend the rules. They must still follow the guidelines established by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. That is true of doctors, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists alike.
Treatment
Getting the right diagnosis for ADHD is an important step to manage your symptoms. Your doctor may suggest an individual clinic for evaluation for ADHD, such as Priory Hospital or a wellness centre. The clinic will give you a complete report of your results. In addition, they'll assist you in managing your symptoms to help you live a more satisfying life and improve your overall health.
The first step is to fill in the questionnaire. This will usually ask you to rate your behave in different situations. For example, at work, school or with your friends. You might be asked to bring someone from your family for assistance. Your therapist will use the information you provide to formulate the treatment plan specific to your needs. They will assess your symptoms and how they affect you in different situations and also your current challenges in life. They will also recommend other therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough examination your doctor will prescribe medication. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, your age, and other aspects. They'll also look at whether other conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough examination is necessary to establish an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes taking medical history, conducting tests of the psychological and physical, and analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will talk with you about any other health issues that you've encountered, and will also check for any other possible causes of your symptoms such as thyroid issues or depression.
In certain instances, the GP or psychiatrist may determine that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because the symptoms are too broad or another condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with the decision you've made you may seek a second opinion. This can be from the GP or a psychiatrist.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you develop strategies for dealing with the difficulties of living with ADHD. They will give you advice on how you can manage your issues at school, at home, and at work. They'll also offer you guidance and assistance in creating a a healthy self-image, to help you overcome the effects of your symptoms.