ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is calling them to account. Its claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people are seeking a private diagnosis of ADHD due to the fact that they cant wait for an NHS referral. Referrals from your GP can take several months.
Symptoms
There are many options for treatment when you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your work and personal life. These include psychotherapy or medication. Taking the time to understand your symptoms and how they affect your life is important and can help guide the treatment you receive.
The most prominent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Although we all demonstrate certain behaviors at times, people who have ADHD are more likely to experience them than other people and to a greater extent. These symptoms cause significant problems in their lives, and they can impact on relationships as well as work performance and overall well-being.
ADHD can cause problems with concentration, listen and follow instructions. It can cause issues at home and in school and cause people to feel frustrated and overwhelmed. It can also make people feel restless and fidgety, and result in them having difficulty organizing and planning tasks. It can cause problems with keeping appointments and responsibilities, and can also cause people to lose things like keys, money or even the mobile phone.
The signs of ADHD can also lead to problems with eating and sleeping, which can have a negative impact on health and wellbeing overall. Unmanaged ADHD is sometimes associated with anxiety and depression.
ADHD is not curable, but treatment may help reduce symptoms and their impact on your life. You will need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider. You will be asked to write down the symptoms and how they affect your daily life, including your family, work and social life. They will then recommend a treatment plan based on your needs.
You could be recommended by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory and arrange an assessment yourself. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to sign a shared care agreement for medication with your GP to ensure that you only pay NHS prescription costs (as you and your GP agrees and you've been stabilized). This is possible at an additional fee.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards finding the best treatment for your symptoms. Based on the specific symptoms you experience and the way they affect your life, treatment may differ from medication to cognitive behavior therapy to coaching. The best approach is to receive an extensive evaluation and diagnosis from a specialist for adult ADHD. If your GP is unwilling to refer you, you can request a referral to a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or another well-known health or wellness centre that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They are experts in identifying ADHD and will provide you with a clear diagnosis within a couple of weeks.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children because the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are actually designed to identify problems in children. The doctor will likely conduct a clinical exam and use questionnaires. Some doctors may even conduct a brain scan in order to determine if your brain functions in the way it should.
A thorough assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as about 80% of adults who suffer from ADHD also have another condition like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, it is important to visit a psychiatrist or specialist in mental healthcare.
If you're unsure of who to contact to get an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for a recommendation or calling your insurance company to determine which professionals are on the network and have the experience to diagnose adult ADHD. Alternately, you could call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find recommendations for professionals in your area. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group if they can recommend an expert.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically lasts 1.5 hours and includes an online test as well as an interview with a clinician and the completion of a variety of valid assessments. The result of the assessment will be a detailed report that your doctor can directly send to your GP or in an email.
Medication
If your symptoms of ADHD are impacting your daily life or relationships, you should seek professional help. The first step is to visit your GP (family doctor) and request that they recommend you for an assessment. The GP will be able to assess your symptoms and review documents like school reports. They will typically refer you to a specialist if they believe you meet the criteria for diagnosis.
If you are directed to a specialist, you should attend an appointment with them. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms including family history, and your medical history. They will also assess the current state of your health and your lifestyle. They may suggest medication to control your symptoms. They will explain the advantages and risks of the medication and help you decide which is the best option for you.
Stimulants are drugs used to treat ADHD. The most popular 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 a day or as modified release tablets, which are taken once a day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adults, adolescents and children. Your specialist will discuss with you the duration you'll need to take the medication.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment can create the impression that these clinics are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary, originally called The ADHD Scandal but later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a great example.
There is no doubt read more that the NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD tests and treatments. However, this shouldn't be a hindrance to those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Even if a specialist is charged for their services does not mean that they are able to ignore research-based practices or evade the rules. They must still follow the guidelines established by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is also true for GPs, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
The correct diagnosis of ADHD is essential to manage your symptoms. Your physician may recommend you to a private specialist clinic such as an Priory hospital or a wellbeing center to conduct an assessment. 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 of the process is to complete a questionnaire. Typically, this will require you to rate your behaviours in different situations, like at school, home, work and with friends. You may be asked to bring along an individual from your family to provide assistance. Your Therapist will utilize this information to develop an individualised treatment plan. They will look at your symptoms, how they affect you in different situations and your current life difficulties. They will also suggest alternative treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After a thorough assessment your doctor will prescribe medication. They'll consider your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also consider whether other conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD.
To determine a correct ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is required. This includes taking your medical history, performing psychological and physical tests, and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will discuss any other health issues you've experienced and will also look for any other possible causes of your symptoms such as thyroid issues or depression.
In some instances the psychiatrist or GP may determine that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. 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 your decision, you can request an opinion from a different psychiatrist or GP.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and assist you develop strategies for dealing with the difficulties of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how to manage your issues at school, at home and at work. They will also provide guidance and assistance in creating a an ideal self-image so that you can conquer the effects of your symptoms.