ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is holding them to account. It is claimed that private clinics over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people want to get a private diagnosis for ADHD because they feel they cant wait for an NHS referral. It can take months to get an appointment with your GP.
Symptoms
There are a variety of treatment options for those suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your personal and professional lives. They include medication or psychotherapy. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact on your life is vital and can help guide the treatment you receive.
The most prominent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Although we all demonstrate some of these behaviours at times, people who have ADHD experience them more frequently than other people and more frequently. These symptoms can cause significant issues in their lives and may impact relationships and work performance as well as general wellbeing.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen, and follow instructions. It can cause problems at home and at school and cause people to feel frustrated and overwhelmed. It can also make people feel anxious and fidgety and make them have trouble organizing and planning tasks. It can lead to difficulties with appointments and obligations. It can also cause people to forget important things like keys, money or mobile phones.
ADHD symptoms can cause problems with eating and sleeping and can have a negative impact on overall well-being and health. If not managed, ADHD can be linked to depression and anxiety.
There is no cure for ADHD however, treatment can improve your symptoms and lessen the impact they can have on your life. You will need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional. You will be asked to explain the symptoms and how they affect your daily life, which includes your family, work and social life. They will then recommend the best treatment plan for your needs.
You could be referred by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory and request an evaluation yourself. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to get a shared care agreement for your medication with your GP to ensure that you pay NHS prescription costs (as long that your GP agrees and you've been stabilized). This is possible at an additional fee.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to finding the best treatment for your symptoms. Based on the specific symptoms you experience and the way they affect your daily life, treatment options can vary from medication to cognitive therapy to coaching. The best option is a thorough evaluation and diagnoses by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor refuses to recommend you, request an appointment with an independent healthcare clinic such as Priory or any other reputable hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. These specialists have expertise in determining ADHD and can provide you with an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children because the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are actually geared toward identifying problems in children. The specialist will also likely conduct a medical examination and will use questionnaires. private adhd assessment for adults might even perform a brain scan to see if your brain is working in the way it should.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health check since around 80 percent of adults who suffer from ADHD also have another condition like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed it is essential to see a psychiatrist or specialist in mental healthcare.
If you're not sure who to contact for an evaluation or diagnosis, ask your GP or call your insurance company. They will be able to tell you which professionals are experienced in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are part of the network. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your area. Ask those who belong to an ADHD support group if they can recommend an expert.
A thorough ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test and a clinical interview, as well as the completion of various tests that are validated. The result of the test is a thorough report that your doctor can send to your GP or a letter to third parties.
Medication
If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek help from a professional. First, you should visit your GP and request an appointment for an assessment. The GP can evaluate your symptoms and read documents such as school reports. They typically only refer you to a specialist when they believe you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
Once you are directed to a specialist, you should make an appointment with them. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms including family history, and your medical history. They will also evaluate the current health status and lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medications to manage your symptoms. They will explain the benefits and risks of the medications and work out which is the best option for you.
Stimulants are drugs used to treat ADHD. The most popular 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 modified release tablets taken once a week and released throughout the entire day. Methylphenidate is available for adults, teenagers and children. Your doctor will inform you the length of time you should be taking the medication.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment may give an impression that these clinics are "shady". One such example is the BBC Panorama documentary originally named The ADHD Scandal. It was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Expose.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demands for ADHD assessments, treatment and assessment. However, private assessment for adhd cost should not hinder those who want to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Just because a professional charges for their services, doesn't mean they are able to ignore research-based practices or evade the rules. They must follow the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is also true for psychiatrists, GPs, and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
The right diagnosis for ADHD is an essential step to manage your symptoms. Your GP may refer you to an individual specialist clinic such as an Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The clinic will give you 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 in the process is to fill out a questionnaire. Typically, this will ask you to rate your conduct in different situations, like at home, school or at work and with your friends. You might be asked to bring along someone from your family for support. Your Therapist will make use of this information to formulate an individual treatment plan. They will assess your symptoms, how they affect you in different contexts and also your current challenges in life. They will also suggest any other treatments that may be beneficial, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough examination your doctor will prescribe medication. They'll take into account your symptoms, your age, and other aspects. They'll also look at whether other conditions like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough examination is required for an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes taking medical history, taking physical and psychological tests and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will discuss 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 some instances a psychiatrist or doctor may decide that you do not meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. It could be that the symptoms are too broad or that an alternative condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from another psychiatrist or GP.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and assist you develop strategies to cope with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how to cope with your issues at school, at home, and at work. They'll also offer you guidance and support in developing an ideal self-image so that you can conquer the effects of your symptoms.