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 over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people are looking for an individual ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that they don't want wait for a referral from the NHS. Referrals from your GP can take several months.
Symptoms
There are a variety of treatment options if you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your personal and professional life. These can include psychotherapy and/or medication. Taking the time to understand your symptoms and how they impact on your life is crucial and can help guide the treatment you receive.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention are the main symptoms and signs of adult ADHD. While we all display certain of these behaviors in a few instances, those who suffer from ADHD do so more often and in greater amounts. These symptoms can cause serious issues in their lives and can have a negative impact on their relationships, work performance and overall well-being.
ADHD can cause problems with concentration and listen to instructions. It can cause problems at school or at home and could cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to be irritable and tense and may cause difficulties with planning and organising tasks. It can cause issues with appointments and responsibilities. It can also cause people to forget important things like keys, money or mobile phones.
ADHD symptoms can also lead to problems with eating and sleeping which can adversely impact overall health and well-being. If not managed, ADHD is often linked to depression and anxiety.
There is no cure for ADHD however treatment can help improve your symptoms and decrease the effects they have on your life. You'll need a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare professional to discuss your issues. You will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact your daily life, which includes your family, work, and social life. They will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your needs.
You may be recommended to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can call Priory yourself and request an assessment. If you are 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 that your GP agrees and you have been stabilised). This can be done at an additional cost.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is an important first step in finding the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. It could be medication, cognitive therapy or coaching. The best approach is to get an extensive evaluation and diagnosis from an adult ADHD specialist. If your GP is unwilling to refer you, you can ask for a referral to a private health clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital or wellness centre that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. These specialists have expertise in identifying ADHD and can provide you with an accurate diagnosis within a few weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be more difficult than in children, because the symptom guides utilized by psychologists were developed to help identify issues in children. The specialist will also likely conduct a clinical examination and will use questionnaires. Some doctors might even conduct an examination of the brain to determine whether your brain is functioning the way it should.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as about 80 percent of adults who suffer from ADHD also have another condition such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, you should always see a psychiatrist who is an expert or a therapist that specializes in mental health.
If you're not sure who to contact to get an evaluation and diagnosis, consider asking your GP for recommendations or calling your insurance provider to find out which specialists are part of the network and have the knowledge to determine adult ADHD. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your region. Finally, if there's an ADHD support group in your local area you can ask for recommendations from those who attend the group.
A complete ADHD assessment will typically take 1.5 hours to perform and includes an online test, a clinic interview and several validated assessments. The outcome of the assessment is a detailed report that your doctor can send to your GP or a letter to third parties.
Medication
If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they are affecting your daily life or relationships you should seek assistance from an expert. The first step is to visit your GP (family doctor) how much for a private adhd assessment and ask them to refer you for an assessment. The GP will be able to assess your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They typically only refer you to a specialist when they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
If you are referred to a specialist you must make an appointment with them. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms, family history and history. They will also evaluate the current state of your health and lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medication to treat your symptoms. They will explain the benefits and risks of the medication and work out which is best for you.
Medications to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity of the brain and can be prescribed in tablets with immediate release that are which are taken twice or three times every day, or modified release tablets that are taken once each week and released over the entire day. Methylphenidate is available for adults, teenagers and children. Your doctor will explain to you how long you'll need to take the medication.
Unfortunately, certain media coverage of private ADHD evaluations and treatment may give the impression that these clinics are'shady'. One example of this is the BBC Panorama documentary, originally titled The ADHD Scandal. It later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Explicit.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demands for ADHD assessments as well as treatment and assessment. However, this shouldn't hinder those who want to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Just because a healthcare professional is charging for their services doesn't mean they are free to ignore the rules or disregard evidence-based practice. They must adhere to the guidelines established by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. That is true of GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists as well.
Treatment
The correct diagnosis of ADHD is essential to manage your symptoms. Your physician might recommend an assessment at a private clinic like Priory Hospital or a wellness center. The clinic will give you complete information about the results. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead a more fulfilling lifestyle.
The first step of the process is to fill out a questionnaire. In general, it will ask you to rate your conduct in various situations, like at school, home or at work and with your friends. You may be asked to bring someone from your family for assistance. Your counselor will utilize this information to develop an individualised treatment plan. They will examine your symptoms, their impact on different situations, and also your current issues in life. They will also suggest other treatments that may be beneficial, like cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT).
Once you've had an assessment, your doctor will prescribe medication if needed. They will consider your symptoms, age and other factors. They'll also determine if other conditions like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD.
For an accurate ADHD diagnosis, a thorough examination is necessary. This includes taking your medical history, conducting psychological and physical tests as well as analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will discuss any other health issues you've experienced, and will also check for any other possible causes of your symptoms, such as a thyroid problem or depression.
In some instances, a GP or psychiatrist might determine that you don't meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. It could be that the symptoms are too broad or an alternative condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you aren't satisfied with the decision you've made, you can ask for an additional opinion. This could be from an GP or psychiatrist.
In addition to prescribing medications, your psychologist will also assist you in developing strategies for dealing with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how to manage your issues at school, at home, and at work. They will also give you support and guidance in developing a positive self-image so that you can overcome your symptoms.