ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is calling them to account. It is claimed that private clinics are knowingly over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people want to get a private diagnosis for ADHD due to the fact that they cannot wait for an NHS referral. Referrals from your GP can take a few months.
Symptoms
There are many treatment options if you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your personal and professional life. These can include psychotherapy and/or medication. Taking the time to understand your symptoms and how they impact on your life is crucial and will help to guide the treatment you receive.
The primary signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While we all display certain of these behaviors at times, those with ADHD are more likely to do so and in greater amounts. These issues can cause major problems in their lives, and they can affect relationships, work performance and general well-being.
ADHD can make it hard to concentrate, listen, and follow directions. It can cause problems at home and at school, and make people feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to feel restless and fidgety and may cause difficulties with organising and planning tasks. It can cause issues with appointments and responsibilities. It could also lead to the loss of important items like keys, money, or mobile phones.
The symptoms of ADHD can also lead to issues with sleeping and eating and can have a negative impact on overall health and wellbeing. Unmanaged ADHD is often related to anxiety and depression.
There is no cure for ADHD, but treatment can help you improve your symptoms and lessen the effects they have on your life. You will need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider. You will be asked to write down the symptoms and how they impact your daily life, including your work, family and social life. The doctor will then suggest the most effective treatment plan for you.
You could be referred by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory and arrange an assessment yourself. If you've been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to set up a shared-care agreement with your GP to pay only NHS prescription costs. This is possible at an extra cost.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed as having ADHD is an important first step to find the appropriate treatment for your issues. Based on the specific symptoms you experience and the way they affect your life, treatment can differ from medication to cognitive behavioral therapy to coaching. The best option is a thorough evaluation and diagnoses from an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor refuses to recommend you, request the referral of a private health clinic like Priory or another well-known hospital that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. These specialists are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can give a clear diagnosis in just the space of 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 geared toward identifying problems in kids. Besides taking your medical history, your specialist will likely conduct a medical interview, and may also employ questionnaires. Some doctors may even conduct an MRI of your brain to determine if your brain is functioning as it should.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health check as about 80 percent of adults with ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be able to properly assess the condition it is essential to see a psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in the field of mental health.
If you're not sure whom to call to get an evaluation and diagnosis, consider asking your GP for a recommendation or calling your insurance provider to find out which specialists are part of the network and have the knowledge to identify 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. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group if they can recommend a professional.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours to complete. It includes an online test, a clinic interview and various validated assessments. The results of the test will be a detailed report that your doctor can direct to your GP or in a letter.
Medication
If you have symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek assistance from an expert. Learn Even more is to visit your GP (family doctor) and ask them to send you to an assessment. The GP will evaluate your symptoms and review documents like school reports. They will only refer you to specialists when they feel that you meet the criteria of a diagnosis.
You should schedule an appointment to see the specialist after having been recommended. The doctor will review your symptoms, your history and family history. They will also review your health and your lifestyle. They may suggest that you consider medication to control your symptoms. They will talk about the potential risks and benefits of the medication and help you decide which one is the best choice for you.
Stimulants are medicines used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It increases brain activity and can be prescribed in tablets with immediate release that are taken two or three time every day or modified release tablets taken once each week and released over the day. Methylphenidate is appropriate for adolescents, adults and children. Your doctor will discuss how long you should take the medication with you.
Some media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment can give an impression that these clinics' are "shady". One example of this is the BBC Panorama documentary, originally titled The ADHD Scandal, which later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Expose.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD assessments and treatment. But, this should not hinder the fact that people who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should have access to high-quality healthcare. The fact that a professional charges for their services, doesn't mean they are able to ignore evidence-based practices or deviate from the rules. They must still adhere to the guidelines outlined by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for psychiatrists, GPs and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
The right diagnosis of ADHD is essential to manage your symptoms. Your physician might refer you to a private clinic for assessment, such as Priory Hospital or a wellness centre. The clinic will provide you with an extensive report of the results. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live a more fulfilling lifestyle.
The first step is to fill out an assessment form. Typically, this will require you to rate your behavior in different situations, for example, at home, school or at work and with your friends. You might also be asked to bring a family member with to provide assistance. Your counselor will utilize this information to develop an individualised treatment plan. They will assess your symptoms, their effects in different situations, as well as your current life challenges. They will also suggest any other treatments that may be beneficial, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After you've been assessed the doctor will prescribe medication if needed. They will consider your symptoms, age and other factors. They'll also consider whether other conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder may be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough examination is necessary to make an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes taking medical history, performing psychological and physical tests and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will discuss any other health issues you've had, and will also check for other possible causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or depression.
In some cases, the GP or psychiatrist may decide that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. This could be due to the fact that the list of symptoms isn't enough or that a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with the decision made you may seek an alternative opinion. This can be from the GP or a psychiatrist.
In addition to prescribing medication and therapists, your psychologist can also assist you in developing strategies for dealing with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how to deal with your symptoms at school as well as at work and at home. They'll also provide guidance and assistance in creating a an ideal self-image to help you overcome the effects of your symptoms.