ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account

An investigation by BBC Panorama is holding private clinics that diagnose ADHD to account. It is claimed that private clinics over-diagnosing ADHD.

Many people are looking for an individual ADHD diagnosis because they don't want wait for a referral from the NHS. Referrals from your GP may take a long time.

Symptoms

There are many treatment options for those suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact your personal and professional lives. They include medication or psychotherapy. Understanding your symptoms and how they affect your life is vital and will help to guide the treatment you receive.

The main signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. Although we all demonstrate some of these behaviours at times, people with ADHD suffer from them more often than other people and more frequently. 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 directions. It can create problems at home and at school and cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also make people feel agitated and irritable, and result in them having difficulty planning and organizing their tasks. It can cause problems with managing appointments and responsibilities and can also cause people to lose things such as money, keys or the mobile phone.

ADHD symptoms can also cause issues with sleep and eating, which can negatively impact overall well-being and health. Untreated ADHD can be associated with anxiety and depression.

ADHD is not curable, however treatment can help ease symptoms and impact on your life. You should discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional. They will ask you to explain how your symptoms impact your day-to-day activities and whether they have an adverse impact on your home, work and social life. The doctor will then suggest the best treatment plan for you.

You are able to be recommended by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or contact Priory and arrange an assessment on your own. If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to get a shared care agreement for your medication with your GP so that you only pay NHS prescription charges (as long as your GP agrees to this and you have been stabilised). This is possible at an additional cost.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards finding the best treatment for your symptoms. Depending on your individual symptoms and how they impact your daily life, treatment options can vary from medication to cognitive behavior therapy to coaching. The best approach is to get an extensive evaluation and diagnosis from an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is not willing to recommend you, you can ask for a referral to a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or another well-known health or wellness centre that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. These experts are skilled in diagnosing ADHD, and can give a clear diagnosis to you within only a few weeks.

Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children because the guidelines for identifying symptoms used by psychologists are really focused on identifying issues in kids. In addition to taking your medical history, your doctor is likely to conduct a clinical interview and might also use questionnaires. Some doctors may even conduct an examination of the brain to determine if your brain is functioning in the way it should.

A thorough assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health check as about 80% of adults with ADHD also have another condition like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed it is essential to visit a psychiatrist psychologist who is trained in the field of mental health.

If you're unsure of who to call to get an evaluation and diagnosis, you might consider asking your GP for a recommendation or calling your insurance company to determine which professionals are on the network and have the experience to identify adult ADHD. Alternately, you could call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to request recommendations for professionals in your area. If there's an ADHD support group in your area you can ask for recommendations from people who are part of the group.

A thorough ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test as well as an interview with a clinician and the completion of several tests that are validated. The outcome of the assessment is a detailed report that your specialist will send to your GP or write to third parties.

Medication

If the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your everyday life or relationships you must seek help from a professional. Your first step should be to visit your GP (family doctor) and ask them to send you to an assessment. The GP will be able to assess your symptoms and look over documents like school reports. They will typically refer you to a specialist when they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.

If you are referred to a specialist you should attend an appointment with them. The specialist will go through your symptoms, history and family history. They will also review the current health status and your lifestyle. They may suggest that you consider medication to help control your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of these medications and help you decide which is best for you.

Treatments for ADHD are known as stimulants. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It is a stimulant in the brain. It can be prescribed as tablets that release immediately which are taken 2 or 3 times per day or as modified release tablets which are taken once a day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adolescents, adults and children. Your specialist will discuss with you the duration you'll need to take the medication.

Unfortunately, certain media coverage of private ADHD assessments and treatment can make it appear as if these clinics are'shady'. BBC Panorama's documentary, originally named The ADHD Scandal, later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a great illustration.

There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demands for ADHD tests and treatments. But, this should not be a reason to deny the fact that those who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. The fact that a professional is charged for their services does not mean that they can disregard evidence-based practices or deviate from the rules. They must nevertheless adhere to guidelines set out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists alike.

Treatment

A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to manage your symptoms. Your doctor may suggest an assessment at a private clinic like Priory Hospital or a wellness centre. The clinic will provide you with an entire report of your findings. In addition, they will assist you in managing your symptoms to help you live a happier life and improve your overall health.

The first step is to fill out an assessment form. This will usually ask you to rate your behave in various situations. For example, at work, school or with your friends. You may be asked to bring along someone from your family for assistance. Your therapist will utilize the information you provide to create an individual treatment plan tailored to your needs. They will look at your symptoms and how they affect you in various contexts, and the current issues you face. They will also recommend other therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Once you've had an assessment, your doctor will prescribe medication if necessary. They'll consider your symptoms, your age, and other factors. They'll also look at whether other conditions like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD.

For an accurate ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is needed. This includes taking a medical history, performing psychological and physical tests as well as analysing your responses to the questions. The doctor will ask about any other health problems you've had and examine other possible causes for your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or depression.

In some cases, a GP or psychiatrist might decide that you don't meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because the symptoms are too broad or another condition is more suitable to explain your symptoms. If you're not satisfied with your decision, you can request an additional opinion from a different doctor or psychiatrist.

In addition to prescribing medication as well, your read more psychologist will help you develop strategies for coping with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They will give you advice on how to cope with your symptoms at school, at home, and at work. They will also give you assistance and guidance to develop a a positive self-image to help you overcome the symptoms.