ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
An investigation by BBC Panorama is holding private clinics that diagnose ADHD to take into. They are alleged to be over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people are looking for an individual ADHD diagnosis because they don't want to wait for a referral from the NHS. Referrals from your GP can take a few months.
Signs and symptoms
There are many treatment options if you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your personal and professional lives. This could include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life will help you select the appropriate treatment.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention are the main symptoms and signs of adult ADHD. While we all exhibit certain of these behaviors occasionally, people with ADHD exhibit them more frequently and to a greater degree. These symptoms cause significant problems in their lives and may impact relationships and work performance as well as general wellbeing.
ADHD can make it hard to concentrate, listen, and follow directions. It can cause issues at home and at school and cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety and make them have trouble planning and organizing tasks. It can lead to trouble with managing appointments and responsibilities and can also cause people to lose things like money, keys or the mobile phone.
ADHD symptoms can also cause problems with eating and sleep and can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. Untreated ADHD is sometimes related to anxiety and depression.
There is no cure for ADHD however, treatment can help you improve your symptoms and decrease the effects they can have on your life. You will need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or any other qualified healthcare provider. You will be asked to explain the symptoms and how they impact your daily life, including your family, work and social life. The doctor will then recommend the most effective treatment strategy for you.
You can be directed to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can contact Priory yourself and request an assessment. If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to sign an agreement on shared care for your medication with your GP to ensure that you pay NHS prescription charges (as as your GP agrees to this and you have been stabilised). This can be arranged at a cost.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards determining the appropriate treatment for your issues. Depending on the individual manifestations and the way they affect your daily life, treatment options can vary from medication to cognitive therapy to coaching. The best approach is to receive an accurate diagnosis and evaluation by a specialist in adult ADHD. If your doctor is unwilling to provide you with a referral, request the referral of a private health clinic like Priory or any other reputable hospital that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They are experts in identifying ADHD and will provide you with an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be more difficult than in children because the symptom guides used by psychologists were created to help identify issues in children. Apart from taking a medical history, your specialist will likely conduct a medical interview, and may also employ questionnaires. Some doctors might even perform a brain scan to determine whether your brain is functioning as it should.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health check since around 80 percent of people who have ADHD have a different condition such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, you should always consult a specialist psychiatrist or a therapist that specializes in mental health.
If you're unsure of who to call for an evaluation and diagnosis, consider asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance company to find out which professionals are on the network and have the experience to determine adult ADHD. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD for recommendations on professionals in your region. If there's an ADHD support group in your local area you can ask for recommendations from people who are part of the group.
A complete ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours to complete and includes an online test, a medical interview and the completion of various validated assessments. The outcome website of the assessment is a comprehensive report that your specialist can send to your GP or a letter to third parties.
Medication
If you have symptoms of ADHD and they are impacting your daily life or relationships you should seek help from a professional. First, you should visit your GP and ask for an appointment for an assessment. The GP will be able to assess your symptoms and review documents like school reports. They typically only refer you to a specialist if they believe you meet the criteria for diagnosis.
Once you are referred to a specialist you must make an appointment with them. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms as well as your family history and. They will also assess your health and lifestyle. They may suggest medications to manage your symptoms. They will explain the advantages and risks of these medications and determine which one is the best option for you.
Treatments for ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity of the brain 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 taken once a week and released throughout the entire day. Methylphenidate can be used in adults, teenagers and children. Your doctor will discuss how long you should take the medication with you.
Unfortunately, media coverage of private ADHD evaluations and treatment may create the impression that these clinics are'shady'. BBC Panorama's documentary named The ADHD Scandal, later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a great illustration.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD assessments and treatment. This should not, however, detract from those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. The fact that a professional charges for their services, does not mean that they can disregard evidence-based practices or deviate from the rules. They must adhere to the guidelines established by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for doctors, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists too.
Treatment
The right diagnosis for ADHD is a crucial step to manage your symptoms. Your doctor may refer you to a private speciality clinic like an Priory hospital or wellness center for an assessment. The clinic will provide you with a full report of 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 of the process is a questionnaire. In general, it will require you to rate your behaviours in various situations, like at home, school or at work, as well as with your friends. You might be asked to bring along an individual from your family to provide assistance. Your therapist will use the information you provide to create an individual treatment plan tailored to your needs. They will look at your symptoms and how they impact you in different contexts and also your current challenges in life. They will also recommend other therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Once you've had an assessment the doctor will prescribe medication if necessary. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, your age and other factors. They'll also consider whether other conditions like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
For an accurate ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is required. This includes taking a medical history, performing psychological and physical tests and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will inquire about any other health issues you've experienced and will examine other possible causes for your symptoms, like thyroid issues or depression.
In some instances, a GP or psychiatrist might determine that you don't meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because the symptoms are too broad, or that an alternative condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you're not satisfied with the outcome you may request an additional opinion from a different doctor or psychiatrist.
In addition to prescribing medications as well, your psychologist will assist you in developing strategies for dealing with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They will offer you advice on how to deal with your issues at school or at work, as well as at home. They will also provide assistance and guidance in developing a an ideal self-image so that you can overcome the effects of your symptoms.