ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is making them accountable. private adhd assessment for adults is claimed that private clinics are knowingly over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people are seeking a private ADHD diagnosis because they don't want to wait for a referral from NHS. Referrals from your GP may take a long time.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your personal and professional life, there are treatments available. These include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact on your life is vital and will aid in guiding the treatment you receive.
The primary symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While we all exhibit certain behaviors in a few instances, those with ADHD do so more often and in greater amounts. These symptoms cause significant problems in their lives and can impact on relationships, work performance and general well-being.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen and follow instructions. It can lead to problems at school or at home and could cause people to feel overwhelmed and annoyed. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety, and can cause difficulty with planning and organising tasks. It can cause problems with keeping appointments and responsibilities, and also causing people to forget things like keys, money, or the mobile phone.
The symptoms of ADHD can also cause problems with eating and sleeping which can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. Unmanaged ADHD can be related to anxiety and depression.
ADHD is not curable, however treatment may help reduce symptoms and impact on your life. You will need a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They will ask you to explain how the symptoms affect your day-to-day activities and whether they have an adverse impact on your home, work and social life. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment plan for you.
You may be referred 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 obtain a shared care agreement for your medication with your GP to ensure that you only pay NHS prescription charges (as that your GP agrees to this and you've been stabilized). This can be arranged at an extra cost.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed as having ADHD is the first step towards determining the right treatment for your symptoms. Depending on the individual manifestations and the way they affect your daily life, treatment options can differ from medication to cognitive therapy to coaching. The best approach is to get an in-depth evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your GP refuses to provide you with a referral, request the referral of a private healthcare clinic like Priory or another well-known hospital that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can give you an accurate diagnosis within a few weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is more difficult than it is for children, because the symptom guides used by psychologists were created to identify problems in children. Besides taking your medical history, your specialist will likely conduct a clinical interview and might also use questionnaires. Some doctors might even perform an examination of the brain to determine if your brain is working the way it should.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health check since around 80 percent of adults who suffer from ADHD also suffer from another disorder such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order to be properly assessed, you should always consult a specialist psychiatrist or a therapist that specializes in mental health.
If you're not sure who to contact for an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for recommendations or calling your insurance company to find out who is in the network and have the experience to identify adult ADHD. Alternately, you could contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find recommendations for professionals in your area. Ask members of an ADHD support group if they can recommend an expert.
A complete ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours to complete. It includes an online test, a medical interview and several validated assessments. The outcome of the assessment is a thorough report that your specialist will send to your GP or write to third parties.
Medication
If your symptoms of ADHD are affect your everyday life or relationships, you should seek out professional help. Your first step should be to visit your GP (family doctor) and request that they recommend you for an assessment. The GP will evaluate your symptoms and examine documents such as school reports. They typically only refer you to a specialist when they believe you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
You should schedule an appointment with the specialist after having been recommended. The specialist will go through your symptoms, your history and family history. They will also review the current health status and lifestyle. They may suggest that you consider medication to control your symptoms. They will talk about the potential risks and benefits of the medication and determine which is the best option for you.
Stimulants are medications used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It enhances brain activity and can be prescribed as tablets that are immediate-release and that are taken three or two times a day or modified release tablets taken once a week and released throughout the entire day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adults, adolescents and children. Your doctor will discuss the duration of the medication with you.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment may give an impression that these clinics' are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary titled The ADHD Scandal but later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a great example.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments as well as treatment and assessment. However, this should not detract from the fact that people who would like to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should have access to high-quality healthcare. Just because a professional charges for their services does not mean that they can ignore evidence-based practices or deviate from the rules. They must nevertheless adhere to the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. That is true of GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists too.
Treatment
The correct diagnosis of ADHD is essential to manage your symptoms. Your doctor may suggest an individual clinic for evaluation for ADHD, such as Priory Hospital or a wellbeing center. The clinic will provide you with complete information about the results. In addition, they'll assist you in managing your symptoms so that you can live a more fulfilling life and improve your overall wellbeing.
The first step is to fill out an assessment form. It will typically ask you to rate how you behave in different situations. For example, at work, school or with your friends. You might also be asked to bring a family member with you to offer assistance. Your therapist will use the information you provide to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. They will look at your symptoms and how they impact you in various contexts, and your current life difficulties. They will also recommend other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After you've completed an assessment, your doctor will prescribe medication if necessary. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also look at whether other medical conditions such as bipolar, anxiety, depression disorder might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
For an accurate ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is required. This includes taking your medical history, taking psychological and physical tests, as well as analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will inquire about any other health problems you have had and will examine other possible causes for your symptoms, like thyroid issues or depression.
In some instances, a GP or psychiatrist might decide that you don't meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. This could be due to the fact that the symptom list isn't enough or that another condition better explains your symptoms. If you aren't satisfied with the choice you made you may seek an alternative opinion. This can be from the GP or a psychiatrist.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you develop strategies to cope with the difficulties of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how you can manage your issues at school or at work, as well as at home. They'll also offer you guidance and support in developing a healthy self-image, so that you can overcome the effects of your symptoms.