ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
An investigation by BBC Panorama is holding private clinics that diagnose ADHD to account. Its claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people are looking for an independent ADHD diagnosis because they don't want wait for a referral from NHS. Referrals from your GP may take a long time.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your personal and professional life, there are options for treatment. This could include psychotherapy or medication. It is important to take the time to comprehend your symptoms and how they impact on your life is vital and will help to guide the treatment you receive.
The primary signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these behaviors occasionally, people with ADHD are more likely to do so and with greater frequency. These issues can cause significant problems in their life and can have a negative impact on their relationships, work performance and overall health.
ADHD can make it hard to concentrate, listen and follow instructions. It can cause issues at school or at home and could cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also make people feel anxious and fidgety and make them have trouble organizing and planning tasks. It can lead to problems with appointments and responsibilities. It can also lead to forgetting important things like money, keys or mobile phones.
The signs of ADHD can also cause problems with eating and sleeping which can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. Unmanaged ADHD is sometimes related to anxiety and depression.
There is no cure for ADHD, but treatment can help you improve your symptoms and reduce the impact they can have on your life. You'll need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or any other qualified healthcare provider. They will ask you to explain how your symptoms affect your day-to-day activities and whether they have a negative impact on your work, home and social life. They will then suggest a treatment plan based on your requirements.
You are able to be referred by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or contact Priory and arrange an assessment on your own. 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 fee.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a crucial first step towards determining the right treatment for your symptoms. Based on the specific symptoms you experience and how they impact your life, treatment may differ from medication to cognitive behavior therapy to coaching. The best option is to seek an extensive evaluation and diagnosis by a specialist in adult ADHD. If your doctor refuses to recommend you, request a referral from a private healthcare clinic like Priory or any other well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. These experts are skilled in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide a clear diagnosis in just only a few weeks.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children due to the symptom guidelines utilized by psychologists are focused on identifying issues in children. Besides taking your medical history, the specialist will likely conduct a medical interview and may also use questionnaires. Some doctors may even do a brain scan to see if your brain is working as it should.
A thorough assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as about 80% of adults with ADHD have a different condition such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, you should always visit an expert psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.
If you're not sure who to call to get an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for a recommendation or calling your insurance provider to find out which specialists are part of the network and have the experience to diagnose adult ADHD. Alternately, you could contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to request recommendations for professionals in your region. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group if they can recommend an expert.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours to complete and includes an online test, a clinic interview and various validated assessments. The result of the assessment will be a thorough report that your specialist will directly send to your GP, or as a letter.
Medication
If you have symptoms of ADHD and they are impacting your relationships or daily life, you should seek help from a professional. First, you should visit your GP and request an appointment for an assessment. The GP will be able to assess your symptoms and look over documents such as school reports. They will usually only refer you to a specialist when they believe you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
Once you are recommended to a specialist, you must make an appointment with them. The doctor will review your symptoms, medical history and family history. They will also review the current health status and lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medication to treat your symptoms. They will discuss the risks and benefits of the medication and decide which option is best for you.
Stimulants are medications that are used to treat ADHD. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It works by increasing activity in the brain. It can be prescribed as tablets with immediate release 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 appropriate for adolescents, adults and children. Your specialist will discuss with you the duration you should take 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, originally named The ADHD Scandal but later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, is a good illustration.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to cope with demand for ADHD assessments and treatment. However, this shouldn't be a reason to deny the fact that those who wish to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Even if a specialist charges for their services does not mean they can disregard evidence-based practices or bend the rules. They must still adhere to guidelines set out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is also true for psychiatrists, GPs, and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial for managing your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend you to an individual speciality clinic like an Priory hospital or a wellbeing center for an assessment. The clinic will give you a complete report of your results. In addition, they'll assist you in managing your symptoms to help you live a more satisfying life and improve your overall health.
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 get more info instance, at work, school or with your friends. You might be asked to bring a family member with you for support. Your Therapist will use this information to create an individualised treatment plan. They will examine your symptoms and how they impact you in different situations and also your current challenges in life. They may also suggest other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Once you've had an assessment the doctor will prescribe medication if needed. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, your age, and other factors. They'll also consider whether other conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough examination is required to establish an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes taking medical history, performing physical and psychological tests, and analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will ask about any other health problems you have had and will examine other possible causes of your symptoms, including depression or thyroid issues.
In some cases, a GP or psychiatrist may decide that you don't meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because the list of symptoms is a bit too broad or that a different disorder is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you're not pleased with the decision you can seek an additional opinion from a different doctor or psychiatrist.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you devise strategies to deal with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how to deal with your symptoms at school, at work and at home. They will also give you support and guidance in developing confidence in yourself so that you can overcome your symptoms.