ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is holding them to account. It is claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people are seeking a private diagnosis of ADHD because they feel they cant wait for an NHS referral. Referrals from your GP may take a long time.
Signs and symptoms
There are many treatment options for those suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your work and personal life. They include medication or psychotherapy. Understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life will allow you choose the best treatment.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and inattention are the primary signs and symptoms for adult ADHD. Although we all demonstrate certain of these behaviors at times, people who have ADHD are more likely to experience them than others and more frequently. These symptoms can cause significant issues in their lives, and they can impact relationships, work performance and general wellbeing.
ADHD can cause problems with concentration and listen, as well as follow instructions. It can lead to problems in the classroom as well as at home, and can cause people to feel overwhelmed and annoyed. It can also make people feel anxious and fidgety, and can cause difficulty with organising and planning tasks. It can cause problems with keeping track of appointments and obligations, and also causing people to forget things like money, keys or the mobile phone.
ADHD symptoms can cause problems with eating and sleep and can have a negative impact on overall well-being and health. In some instances, untreated ADHD can be linked to depression and anxiety.
ADHD is not curable, however treatment can help ease symptoms and their impact on your life. You will need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider. You will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact your daily routine, including your work, family and social life. They will then recommend a treatment plan based on your needs.
You could be directed by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory to arrange for an evaluation yourself. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD, it is possible to obtain a shared care agreement for your medication with your GP so that you only pay NHS prescription charges (as long you and your GP agrees and you've been stabilized). This is possible at an additional cost.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is an important first step in finding the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. It could be medication, cognitive behavioral therapy or coaching. The best option is a thorough evaluation and diagnoses by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is not willing to refer you to a specialist, you may request a referral from an private healthcare clinic like Priory or another well-known health or wellness centre that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. These specialists have expertise in determining ADHD and can provide you with an accurate diagnosis within a few weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be more difficult than for children due to the symptom guides used by psychologists were created to detect problems in children. In addition to taking your medical history, your specialist will likely conduct a clinical interview and may also use questionnaires. Some doctors will even conduct a brain scan in order to determine if your brain is functioning as it should.
A thorough assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening since around 80% of adults with ADHD have a different condition like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order to be properly assessed, you should always see a psychiatrist who is an expert or a therapist that specializes in mental health.
If you're not sure who to call for an evaluation or diagnosis, consult your GP or call your insurance company. They can tell you which specialists have expertise in diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the psychiatry adhd assessment network. Alternately, you could contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to request recommendations for professionals in your region. Also, if there's an ADHD support group in your area, ask for recommendations from people who are members of the group.
A thorough ADHD assessment will typically take 1.5 hours to complete and includes an online test, a clinic interview and the completion of several validated assessments. The outcome of the assessment is a thorough report that your specialist can send to your GP or send to third parties.
Medication
If your symptoms of ADHD are affecting your daily life or your relationships you must seek help from a professional. First, visit your GP and ask for an appointment to conduct an assessment. The GP will assess your symptoms and look over documents like school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
If you're recommended to a specialist, you should make an appointment with them. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms as well as your family history and. They will also assess your current health and life style. They may suggest medication to control your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of the medication and help you decide which one is the best choice for you.
Treatments for ADHD are known as stimulants. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity in the brain. It can be prescribed as tablets that release immediately, taken two or three times a day or as modified release tablets, which are taken once per day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate can be used in adults, teenagers and children. Your doctor will determine how long you should take the medication with you.
Unfortunately, media coverage of private ADHD assessments and treatments can give the impression that these clinics are'shady'. BBC Panorama's documentary, initially called The ADHD Scandal, later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a good illustration.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demands for ADHD assessments, treatment and assessment. However, this should not be a reason to deny the fact that people who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Just because the healthcare provider is charging for their services, it does not mean that they are able to evade rules or disregard evidence-based practices. 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 correct diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to managing your symptoms. Your GP can refer you to an exclusive speciality clinic like an Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The clinic will provide you with the complete report of your findings. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live a more fulfilling lifestyle.
The first step is to fill out the questionnaire. It usually asks you to rate your behave in various situations. For example at school, work or with friends. You may be asked to bring someone from your family for assistance. Your Therapist will use this information to create an individualised treatment plan. They will examine your symptoms, their impact in different situations, and also your current issues in life. They will also recommend other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After you've been assessed the doctor will prescribe medication if needed. They'll consider your symptoms, age and other factors. They'll also look at whether other conditions like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough exam is essential to establish an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes taking medical history, conducting psychological and physical tests and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will discuss any other health issues that you've encountered and will also look for other possible causes of your symptoms such as a thyroid problem or depression.
In some cases, a GP or psychiatrist might determine that you do not meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. This might be because the symptom list is a bit too broad or that another condition better explains your symptoms. If you're not satisfied with the decision you can seek a second opinion from another psychiatrist or GP.
In addition to prescribing medications, your psychologist will also help you develop strategies to deal with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how to manage your symptoms at school, at work and at home. They will also give you support and guidance in developing an optimistic self-image so that you can overcome your symptoms.