ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
An investigation by BBC Panorama is holding private clinics that diagnose ADHD to take account. Its claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people want to get a private diagnosis for ADHD because they feel they cannot wait for an NHS referral. It could take months to get diagnosed by your GP.
Symptoms
There are many options for treatment when you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your work and personal life. This may include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life will help you to choose the right treatment.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are the main symptoms of adult ADHD. While we all exhibit certain behaviors at times, people with ADHD are more likely to experience them than others and to a greater extent. These symptoms can cause significant issues in their lives and can impact relationships and work performance as well as general well-being.
ADHD can make it difficult to focus and listen to instructions. It can cause issues at home and at school and cause people to feel frustrated and overwhelmed. It can also cause people to feel restless and fidgety and may cause difficulties with organising and planning tasks. It can create issues with appointments and responsibilities. It could also lead to the loss of 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 effect on overall health and wellbeing. Unmanaged ADHD can be linked to depression and anxiety.
There is no cure for ADHD however treatment can help you improve your symptoms and lessen the effects they have on your life. You'll need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare professional. You will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect your daily routine, including your work, family and social life. They will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your requirements.
You can be recommended by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory and request an evaluation yourself. If you've been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to establish an agreement for shared care with your GP to pay only NHS prescription charges. This is possible at an extra cost.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in finding the best treatment for your issues. Depending on your individual symptoms and the way they affect your life, treatment may vary from medication to cognitive behavioral therapy to coaching. The best choice is to seek an accurate diagnosis and evaluation by a specialist in adult ADHD. If your doctor refuses to refer you, ask for a referral from a private healthcare clinic like Priory or another well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. These specialists have expertise in determining ADHD and will provide you with an accurate diagnosis within a few weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be more difficult than it is for children because the symptom guides used by psychologists were designed to identify problems in children. The specialist will also conduct a medical exam and use questionnaires. Some doctors might even perform a brain scan to see if your brain is working the way it should.
A thorough assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as around 80% of adults with ADHD have a different condition such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be able to properly assess the condition it is here essential to see a psychiatrist or specialist in mental healthcare.
If you are unsure who to call for an evaluation or diagnosis, talk to your GP or contact your insurance company. They will be able to tell you which doctors have experience diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the network. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD for recommendations of professionals in your region. Also, if there's an ADHD support group in your community you can ask for recommendations from those who are members of the group.
A complete ADHD assessment will typically take 1.5 hours to perform and includes an online test, a clinical interview and various validated assessments. The outcome of the test will be a comprehensive report that your doctor can send directly to your GP, or as a letter.
Medication
If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your relationships or daily life, you should seek out help from an expert. Your first step should be to visit your GP (family doctor) and ask them to send you to an assessment. The GP can assess your symptoms and look over documents such as school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
If you're directed to a specialist, you should make an appointment with them. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms as well as your family history and. They will also evaluate the current state of your health and lifestyle. They may suggest medication to treat your symptoms. They will talk about the benefits and risks of the medication and determine which one is the best choice for you.
Medications to treat ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most frequently used medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity of the brain and can be prescribed in immediate-release tablets which are taken twice or three times each day or modified release tablets that are taken once each week and released over the entire day. Methylphenidate is a drug that can be used by adults, teenagers and children. Your doctor will discuss how long you should take the medication with you.
Unfortunately, some media coverage of private ADHD assessments and treatments can create the impression that these clinics are'shady'. BBC Panorama's documentary titled The ADHD Scandal, later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is a good example.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demands for ADHD assessments treatment, assessment and treatment. However, this should not be a hindrance to those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Just because a healthcare professional charges for their services doesn't mean they can bend the rules or disregard evidence-based practices. They must nevertheless adhere to the guidelines outlined by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for doctors, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists too.
Treatment
Finding the correct diagnosis for ADHD is a crucial step in addressing your symptoms. Your physician may recommend a private clinic for assessment for ADHD, such as Priory Hospital or a wellbeing centre. The clinic will provide you with the complete report of your results. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live a more enjoyable lifestyle.
The first step of the process is to fill out a questionnaire. 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 a family member with to provide assistance. Your therapist will use the information you provide to formulate the treatment plan specifically tailored to your requirements. They will look at your symptoms and how they impact you in various contexts, and your current life difficulties. They will also suggest alternative treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After you've been assessed and your doctor has prescribed medications if required. 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 symptoms.
For an accurate ADHD diagnosis A thorough exam is necessary. This includes taking a medical history, conducting psychological and physical tests and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will inquire about any other health problems you have had and will check for other possible causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or depression.
In certain instances a psychiatrist or doctor may decide that you don't meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. It could be that the symptoms are too broad or that an alternative condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with the decision you can seek a second opinion from another psychiatrist or GP.
In addition to prescribing medication and therapists, your psychologist can also help you develop strategies for dealing with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how you can manage your issues at home, at school and at work. They'll also provide guidance and support in developing an ideal self-image so that you can conquer the effects of your symptoms.