ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is making them accountable. They are alleged to be over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people are seeking a private diagnosis of ADHD due to the fact that they cannot wait for an NHS referral. It could take months to be an appointment with your GP.
Symptoms
If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact on your personal and professional life, there are options for treatment. These can include psychotherapy and/or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life can help you select the appropriate treatment.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention are the primary symptoms of adult ADHD. Although we all demonstrate certain of these behaviors at times, people who have ADHD suffer from them more often than others and to a greater extent. These issues can cause significant problems in their life and have a negative effect on their relationships, work performance and overall well-being.
ADHD can make it hard to concentrate, listen and follow instructions. It can cause issues at school or at home and could cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety, and cause problems with planning and organising tasks. It can lead to trouble with managing appointments and responsibilities and can also cause people to lose things such as keys, money or even the mobile phone.
The signs of ADHD can also cause issues with sleeping and eating which can have a negative effect on overall health and well-being. In some cases, unmanaged ADHD may be associated with depression and anxiety.
ADHD is not curable, however treatment can help ease symptoms and their impact on your life. You'll require a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional to discuss your issues. You will be asked to write down the symptoms and how they affect your daily life, which includes your work, family and social life. The doctor will then suggest the best treatment strategy for you.
You are able to be directed by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory and request an assessment yourself. If you have been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to establish a shared-care agreement with your GP to pay only NHS prescription costs. This is possible at an additional cost.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards finding the best treatment for your symptoms. Based on the specific symptoms you experience and how they impact your life, treatment can vary from medication to cognitive behavior therapy to coaching. The best option is an extensive evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your GP refuses to recommend you, request an appointment with an independent healthcare clinic such as Priory or any other well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to give a clear diagnosis within the space of a few weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be more difficult than it is for children due to the symptom guides used by psychologists were designed to help identify issues in children. The specialist will also likely conduct a medical examination and will use questionnaires. Some doctors might even conduct a brain scan to determine if your brain is working the way it should.
A complete evaluation includes a mental screening, as 80% of adults with ADHD also have another condition like autism or post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). To be properly assessed, always visit an expert psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.
If you're unsure of who to call for an evaluation and diagnosis, consider asking your GP for a recommendation or calling your insurance company to determine who is in the network and have the expertise to determine adult ADHD. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD for recommendations on professionals in your area. Also, if there's an ADHD support group in your local area you can ask for recommendations from people who attend the group.
A complete ADHD assessment will typically take 1.5 hours to complete and includes an online test, a clinical interview and various validated assessments. The outcome of the test is a detailed report that your specialist will send to your GP or write to third parties.
Medication
If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they are affecting your relationships or daily life, you should seek out help from an expert. You should first visit your GP and ask for an appointment for an assessment. The GP will evaluate your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They typically only refer you to a specialist if they believe that you meet the criteria for diagnosis.
You should make an appointment to see the specialist after having been recommended. The doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history and family history. private adhd assessment will also assess the current state of your health and your lifestyle. They may suggest that you consider medication to help control your symptoms. private adhd assessment london will go over the potential risks and benefits of the medication and decide which option is best for you.
The medications used to treat ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity of the brain and can be prescribed as tablets that are immediate-release and taken two or three time a day or in modified release tablets that are taken one time a week and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adolescents, adults and children. Your specialist will discuss the duration of 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 called The ADHD Scandal, but was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Explicit.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to cope with demand for ADHD assessments and treatment. However, this shouldn't hinder those who want to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. The fact that a professional charges for their services, does not mean that they can disregard research-based practices or evade the rules. They must nevertheless adhere to guidelines set out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for GPs, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
Getting the right diagnosis for ADHD is an essential step in addressing your symptoms. Your GP may recommend you to an exclusive specialist clinic, such as an Priory hospital or wellness center to conduct an assessment. The clinic will provide you with the complete report of your results. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead an enjoyable life.
The first step is to fill out a questionnaire. It will typically ask you to rate how you behave in different situations. For example, at work, school or with friends. You may also be asked to bring a family member along with you for support. Your therapist will use this information to create an individual treatment plan. They will look at your symptoms and how they impact you in different situations and the current issues you face. They may also suggest other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough examination your doctor will prescribe medication. They will consider your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also consider whether other conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough examination is necessary to make an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes taking a medical history, conducting physical and psychological tests and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will ask about any other health issues you've experienced and will look for other possible causes of your symptoms, including thyroid issues or depression.
In some instances, the GP or psychiatrist may determine that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because the symptoms are too broad or an alternative condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you're not satisfied with the outcome you can seek an additional opinion from a different psychiatrist or GP.
In addition to prescribing medication as well, your psychologist will assist you in establishing strategies for dealing with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how to cope with your symptoms at school, at home, and at work. They will also give you support and guidance in developing an optimistic self-image to help you overcome your symptoms.