ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is making them accountable. It is claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people seek a private diagnosis of ADHD because they feel they are unable to wait for an NHS referral. It could take months to be diagnosed by your GP.
Symptoms
There are many options for treatment for those suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact your personal and professional life. This could include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they affect your life is crucial and can help guide the treatment you receive.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and inattention are the primary signs and symptoms for adult ADHD. While we all exhibit some of these behaviors in a few instances, those with ADHD do so more often and to a greater degree. These symptoms can cause significant issues in their lives, and they can impact on relationships and work performance as well as general wellbeing.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen, and follow directions. It can cause problems at home and in school, and make people feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to feel restless and fidgety, and cause them to have difficulty organizing and planning tasks. It can create issues with appointments and responsibilities. It could also lead to the loss of important items like keys, money or mobile phones.
Symptoms of ADHD can also cause problems with eating and sleeping and can have a negative impact on overall health and wellbeing. In some instances, untreated ADHD may be associated with depression and anxiety.
ADHD is not curable, however treatment can help ease symptoms and impact on your life. You will need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or any other qualified healthcare professional. They will ask you to explain how your symptoms impact your daily life and whether they have an adverse impact on your home, work and social life. The doctor will then suggest the most effective treatment strategy for you.
You are recommended to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can contact Priory yourself and arrange an assessment. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD, it is possible to obtain an agreement on shared care for medication with your GP to ensure that you pay NHS prescription charges (as as your GP accepts this and you have been stabilised). This can be done at an additional cost.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed as having ADHD is an important first step towards determining the best treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options vary based on your symptoms and 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 from an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unwilling to recommend you, request an appointment with a private health clinic like Priory or any other reputable hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. These specialists have expertise in diagnosing ADHD and can give you a clear diagnosis within a few weeks.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children because the guidelines for identifying symptoms used by psychologists are actually geared toward identifying problems in kids. Besides taking your medical history, your doctor is likely to conduct a clinical interview, and may also employ questionnaires. Some doctors might even conduct a brain scan to determine whether your brain is functioning in the way it should.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as around 80% of adults who suffer from ADHD also suffer from another disorder such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order to be properly assessed, always visit an expert psychiatrist or a therapist that specializes in mental health.
If you're not sure who to call for an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance provider to find out which professionals are on the network and have the experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD for recommendations of professionals in your area. Ask those who belong to an ADHD support group if they have any recommendations for a professional.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment will typically take 1.5 hours to complete. It includes an online test, a clinical interview and various assessments that are validated. The result of the assessment will be a detailed report that your doctor can directly send to your GP, or as a letter.
Medication
If your symptoms of ADHD are impacting your daily life or your relationships, you should seek professional help. You should first visit your GP and ask for an appointment to conduct an assessment. The GP will assess your symptoms and examine documents like school reports. They typically only refer you to a specialist if they believe that you meet the criteria for diagnosis.
If you're recommended to a specialist, you should make an appointment with them. The doctor will review your symptoms, medical history and family history. They will also evaluate the current health status and lifestyle. They may suggest that you consider medication to control your symptoms. They will explain the benefits and risks of these medications and work out which is best for you.
Medications to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity 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, that are taken every day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is a drug that can be used by adolescents, adults, and children. Your doctor will inform you how long you should be taking the medication.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could make it appear as if these clinics' are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary, initially called The ADHD Scandal but later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a good example.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demands for ADHD assessments, treatment and assessment. This should not, however, detract from those who want to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Even if a specialist charges for their services, does not mean that they can disregard evidence-based practices or bend the rules. They must nevertheless adhere to guidelines set out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for psychiatrists, GPs, and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to manage your symptoms. Your doctor might recommend an assessment at a private clinic like Priory Hospital or a wellbeing center. The clinic will provide you with a full report of the results. private adhd assessment uk will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live a more enjoyable lifestyle.
The first step in the process is to fill out a questionnaire. It will typically ask you to rate how you behave in different situations. For example at school, work or with friends. You might be asked to bring along someone from your family 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 various contexts, and your current life difficulties. private adhd assessment uk will also recommend any other treatments that may be beneficial, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
After you've completed an assessment the doctor will prescribe medications if required. They'll consider your symptoms, your age and other factors. They'll also consider whether other conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder may be contributing to your ADHD.
To determine a correct ADHD diagnosis, a thorough examination is needed. This involves taking a medical history, performing psychological and physical tests, as well as analysing your answers to questions. The doctor will inquire about any other health problems you have had and will check for other possible causes for your symptoms, like thyroid issues or depression.
In some instances the psychiatrist or GP may determine that you don't meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis. This might be because the list of symptoms isn't enough, or it might be that a different disorder is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with your decision, you can request an opinion from a different doctor or psychiatrist.
In addition to prescribing medications and therapists, your psychologist can also assist you in developing strategies for dealing with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how to manage your symptoms at school as well as at work and at home. They will also provide support and guidance in developing confidence in yourself so that you can conquer your symptoms.