ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is calling them to account. It is claimed that private clinics are knowingly over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people are looking for an individual ADHD diagnosis because they don't want wait for a referral from NHS. It could take months to be diagnosed by your GP.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms that affect your personal and professional life, there are treatments available. These can include psychotherapy and/or medication. Understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life will allow you select the appropriate treatment.
The main symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While we all display certain behaviors occasionally, people who suffer from ADHD exhibit them more frequently and in greater amounts. These issues can cause major problems in their lives, and they can impact on relationships, work performance and general wellbeing.
ADHD can make it hard to listen, concentrate and follow instructions. It can lead to problems in school as well as at home, and can cause people to feel overwhelmed and annoyed. It can also make people feel agitated and irritable, and result in them having difficulty planning and organizing tasks. It can create issues with appointments and responsibilities. It can also lead to forgetting important things like keys, money or mobile phones.
The symptoms of ADHD can also cause problems with eating and sleeping and can have a negative impact on overall health and wellbeing. In certain cases, untreated ADHD may be associated with anxiety and depression.
ADHD is not curable, however treatment may help reduce symptoms and their impact on your life. You will require a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They will ask you to describe how the symptoms affect your daily life and whether they have a negative impact on your home, work and social life. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment plan for you.
You can be recommended 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 a shared care agreement with your GP to pay only NHS prescription charges. This is possible at an additional cost.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed as having ADHD is an important first step in finding the appropriate treatment for your issues. Depending on your individual symptoms and the way they affect your life, treatment can differ from medication to cognitive therapy to coaching. The best choice is to seek a thorough evaluation and diagnosis from a specialist in adult ADHD. If your doctor is not willing to refer you to a specialist, you may request a referral from a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital or wellness centre that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. These experts are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and are able to give a clear diagnosis within only a few weeks.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children, as the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are really focused on identifying issues in kids. In addition to taking your medical history, your doctor will likely conduct a clinical interview and might also use questionnaires. Some doctors might even conduct an examination of the brain to determine if your brain is working the way it should.
A thorough assessment includes a mental screening as the majority of people with ADHD also suffer from other conditions such as autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, you should always consult a specialist psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.
If you're not sure whom to call to get an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for recommendations or calling your insurance company to determine which specialists are part of the network and have the knowledge to determine 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. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group if they can recommend an expert.
A thorough ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours to perform and includes an online test, a clinical interview, and the completion of several validated assessments. The outcome of the test will be a comprehensive report that your specialist will direct to your GP or write an email.
Medication
If the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your daily life or relationships you must seek out professional help. You should first visit your GP and ask for a referral to an assessment. The GP will assess your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will typically refer you to a specialist if they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
You should make an appointment with the specialist after having been recommended. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms including family history, and your medical history. They will also assess the current state of your health and lifestyle. They may suggest medications to manage your symptoms. They will explain the advantages and risks of the medication and determine which one is best for you.
Stimulants are medications that are used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It is a stimulant in the brain and can be prescribed as immediate-release tablets 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 specialist will discuss with you the duration you should be taking the medication.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could give an impression that these clinics' are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary, originally named The ADHD Scandal, later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a great example.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD tests and treatments. But, this should not be a reason to deny the fact that those who would like to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. The fact that a healthcare professional is charging for their services doesn't mean they can bend the rules or disregard evidence-based practice. They must nevertheless adhere to the guidelines established by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists as well.
Treatment
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to managing your symptoms. Your physician might refer you to an individual clinic for evaluation like Priory Hospital or a wellbeing centre. 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 live a more enjoyable lifestyle.
The first step in the process is a questionnaire. It usually asks you to rate your behave in various situations. For instance at school, work or with friends. You might also be asked to bring a family member with you to offer assistance. Your therapist will utilize the information you provide to create an individual treatment plan specifically tailored to your requirements. They will examine your symptoms, their impact on different situations, and also your current challenges in life. They will also recommend other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After you've been assessed and your doctor has prescribed how much for a private adhd assessment medications if required. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also look at whether other conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough examination is necessary for an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes taking a medical history, conducting psychological and physical tests, and analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will ask about any other health issues you've experienced and will look for other possible causes for your symptoms, like depression or thyroid issues.
In some instances a psychiatrist or doctor might decide that you do not meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because the symptoms are too broad or another condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you aren't satisfied with the decision made, you can ask for a second opinion. This can be from the GP or a psychiatrist.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you devise strategies to deal with the difficulties of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how to manage your issues at home, at school and at work. They will also provide assistance and guidance to develop a confidence in yourself so that you can overcome your symptoms.