ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is calling them to account. They are alleged to be over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people are looking for an individual ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that they don't want wait for a referral from the NHS. Referrals from your GP can take a few months.
Signs and symptoms
There are a variety of treatment options for those suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your work and personal life. They include medication or psychotherapy. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life will allow you choose the best treatment.
The most prominent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While we all display some of these behaviors occasionally, people with ADHD are more likely to do so and to a greater degree. These symptoms cause significant problems in their lives and may affect relationships as well as work performance and overall well-being.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen and follow directions. It can cause issues at home and at school and cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also cause people to feel restless and fidgety and cause problems with planning and organising tasks. It can cause issues with keeping track of appointments and obligations, and can also cause people to lose things like money, keys or the mobile phone.
ADHD symptoms can also lead to problems with eating and sleeping which can adversely impact overall health and well-being. Unmanaged ADHD is often associated with anxiety and depression.
ADHD is not curable, however treatment may help reduce symptoms and impact on your life. You'll need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider. You will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect your daily life, which includes your family, work and social life. They will then suggest the best treatment plan for your needs.
You can be directed to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can contact Priory yourself and arrange an assessment. 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 charges. This can be arranged at an additional cost.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to finding the best treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options can differ based on your symptoms and impact they have on your life. It could be medication, cognitive behavior therapy or coaching. The best approach is to get an in-depth evaluation and diagnosis from an adult ADHD specialist. If your GP is unwilling to recommend you, you can request a referral to a private health clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital or wellbeing center that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists have expertise in diagnosing ADHD and can give you a clear diagnosis within a few weeks.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children, as the guidelines for identifying symptoms used by psychologists are really designed to identify problems in kids. Besides taking your medical history, the specialist is likely to conduct a clinical interview and may also use questionnaires. Some doctors may 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 percent of people who have ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, it is important to visit a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained in mental healthcare.
If you're unsure of who to call to get an evaluation or a diagnosis, ask your GP or call your insurance company. They can tell you which specialists are experienced in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are part of the network. Alternately, you could contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your region. Ask those who belong to an ADHD support group to recommend an expert.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test and an interview with a clinician, as well as the completion of several validated assessments. The outcome of the test is a comprehensive report that your specialist can send to your GP or a letter to third parties.
Medication
If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your daily life or relationships you should seek out help from an expert. First, you should visit your GP and request an appointment to conduct an assessment. The GP will evaluate your symptoms and look over documents like school reports. They typically only refer you to a specialist when they believe you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
If you're referred to a specialist you should attend an appointment with them. The doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history and family history. They will also evaluate the current state of your health and your lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medications to manage your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of these medications and help you decide which is the best option for you.
Medications to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity of the brain and can be prescribed in tablets with immediate release that are which are taken twice or three times a day or modified release tablets taken once a week and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is available for adults, teenagers and children. Your doctor will discuss the recommended duration of the medication with you.
Unfortunately, certain media coverage of private ADHD assessments and treatment can give the impression that these clinics are'shady'. One example of this is the BBC Panorama documentary, originally called The ADHD Scandal. It later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Explicit.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD assessments and treatment. This should not, however, detract from those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Even if a specialist is charged for their services does not mean they can ignore evidence-based practices or deviate from the rules. They must follow the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for psychiatrists, GPs and private ADHD experts.
Treatment
The right diagnosis of ADHD is crucial for managing your symptoms. Your physician may suggest an individual clinic for evaluation, such as Priory Hospital or a wellbeing center. The clinic will provide you with a complete report of the results. In addition, they'll help you manage your symptoms so that you can live a more satisfying life and improve your overall wellbeing.
The first step in the process is to complete a questionnaire. Typically, this will ask you to rate your behaviours in different situations, like at home, school, work and with friends. private adhd assessment uk may be asked to bring an individual from your family to provide support. Your Therapist will utilize this information to develop an individual treatment plan. They will look at your symptoms, how they affect you in various contexts, and also your current challenges in life. They will also recommend other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough assessment your doctor will prescribe medication. They'll consider your symptoms, your age and other factors. They'll also look at whether other conditions like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
To determine a correct ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is required. This involves taking a medical history, performing psychological and physical tests, and also analyzing your responses to the questions. The doctor will talk with you about any other health issues you've experienced and will also look for other possible causes of your symptoms such as thyroid problems or depression.
In some instances, a psychiatrist or doctor will decide that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because the list of symptoms is a bit too broad, or it might be that a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you're not satisfied with the decision you can seek an opinion from a different psychiatrist or GP.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you develop strategies to cope with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how you can manage your symptoms at school as well as at work and at home. They'll also provide guidance and assistance in creating a confidence in yourself, to help you overcome the effects of your symptoms.