ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is holding them to account. Its claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.
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 may take a long time.
Symptoms
There are many treatment options for those suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your personal and professional life. These include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life can help you select the appropriate treatment.
The most prominent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. While we all exhibit certain of these behaviors at times, those who suffer from ADHD do so more often and in greater amounts. These issues can cause significant problems in their life and have a negative impact on their relationships, their work performance, and overall health.
ADHD can make it difficult to focus, listen and follow instructions. It can cause problems at school and at home and may cause people to feel overwhelmed and annoyed. It can also make people feel restless and fidgety and can cause difficulty in organising and planning tasks. It can lead to trouble with keeping track of appointments and obligations, and also causing people to forget things like keys, money or even the mobile phone.
The symptoms of ADHD can also cause problems with eating and sleeping and can have a negative impact on health and wellbeing overall. In certain cases, untreated ADHD may be associated with depression and anxiety.
ADHD is not curable, but treatment may help reduce symptoms and impact on your life. You will need a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. You will be asked to write down the symptoms and how they affect your daily life, which includes your family, work and social life. They will then suggest a treatment plan based on your needs.
You could be directed by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory and arrange an assessment yourself. If you have been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to set up an agreement for shared care with your GP to pay only NHS prescription costs. This can be arranged at an additional cost.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a crucial first step towards determining the right treatment for your issues. Depending on the individual manifestations and how they impact your life, treatment may vary from medication to cognitive behavior therapy to coaching. The best approach is to receive a thorough evaluation and diagnosis from a specialist for adult ADHD. If your doctor refuses to refer you, ask for the referral of a private health clinic such as Priory or any other well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists have expertise in diagnosing ADHD and can give you an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children, as the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are actually designed to identify problems in kids. Apart from taking a medical history, the specialist is likely to conduct a clinical interview and might also use questionnaires. Some doctors might even conduct an examination of the brain to determine whether your brain is functioning as it should.
A thorough evaluation of ADHD will also include a mental health check as about 80 percent of people with ADHD also suffer from another disorder such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, you should always see a psychiatrist who is an expert or therapist who specializes in mental health.
If you're not sure whom to call to get an evaluation and diagnosis, you might consider asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance provider to find out which professionals are on the network and have the knowledge to determine adult ADHD. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD for recommendations of professionals in your region. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group if they can recommend a professional.
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 result of the test is a thorough report that your specialist can send to your GP or write to third parties.
Medication
If your symptoms of ADHD are affecting your daily life or your relationships you must seek out professional help. Your first step should be to visit your GP (family doctor) and request that they refer you for an assessment. The GP will assess your symptoms and look over documents like school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they feel that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
If you're directed to a specialist, you should make an appointment with them. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms including family history, and your medical history. They will also assess your health and lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medications to manage your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of the medication and determine which option is best for you.
Medications to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity in the brain. It can be prescribed as tablets with immediate release that are taken two or three times per day, or as modified release tablets, that are taken every day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is available for teens, adults and children. Your doctor will determine the duration of the medication with you.
Some media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment may make it appear as if these clinics' are "shady". One example is the BBC Panorama documentary that was originally named The ADHD Scandal. It was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Explicit.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments as well as treatment and assessment. However, this should not be a hindrance to those who want to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Just because a professional charges for their services does not mean that they can disregard evidence-based practices or deviate from the rules. They must nevertheless follow the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for GPs, psychiatrists, and private ADHD experts.
Treatment
The right diagnosis of ADHD is crucial more info to managing your symptoms. Your GP can refer you to a private specialist clinic, such as an Priory hospital or a wellbeing center for an assessment. The clinic will give you a complete report of your results. In addition, they'll assist you in managing your symptoms so that you can live a more satisfying life and improve your overall wellbeing.
The first step in the process is to fill out a questionnaire. It usually asks you to rate your behave in various situations. For instance at school, work or with friends. You might be asked to bring someone from your family for assistance. Your therapist will utilize the details you provide to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. They will look at your symptoms, their impact in different situations, and also your current issues in life. They will also suggest alternative therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough examination the doctor can prescribe medication. They'll consider your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also look at whether other medical conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
To make a precise ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is needed. This includes taking a medical history, performing psychological and physical tests, and also analyzing your answers to questions. The doctor will talk with you about any other health issues you've experienced, and will also check for other possible causes of your symptoms such as thyroid issues or depression.
In some cases, the GP or psychiatrist will decide that you don't meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis. This could be due to the fact that the list of symptoms is a bit too broad, or it might be that a different disorder is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you're not pleased with the decision you can seek an additional opinion from a different psychiatrist or GP.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and assist you develop strategies for dealing with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how to deal with your issues at school or at work, as well as at home. They'll also provide guidance and support in developing an ideal self-image so that you can overcome the effects of your symptoms.