ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is calling them to account. They are alleged to be over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people seek a private diagnosis of ADHD due to the fact that they are unable to wait for an NHS referral. Referrals from your GP can take several months.
Signs and symptoms
If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your work and personal life, there are treatment options available. This could include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life will help you choose the best treatment.
The most prominent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. While we all exhibit some of these behaviours at times, those with ADHD experience them more frequently than others and in greater quantity. These symptoms cause significant problems in their lives and may impact on relationships, work performance and general well-being.
ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen and follow instructions. It can create problems at home and at school and cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also make people be irritable and tense and may cause difficulties with planning and organising tasks. It can lead to issues with appointments and responsibilities. It can also lead to forgetting important items like keys, money, or mobile phones.
The symptoms of ADHD can also lead to issues with sleeping and eating which can have a negative effect on overall health and wellbeing. Unmanaged ADHD is sometimes linked to depression and anxiety.
There is no cure for ADHD however treatment can improve your symptoms and decrease the effects they have on your life. You should discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional. They will ask you to explain how your symptoms impact 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 strategy for you.
You could be referred by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory and arrange an assessment on your own. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to obtain an agreement on shared care for your medication with your GP to ensure that you only pay NHS prescription costs (as long as your GP accepts this and you have been stabilised). This is possible at a cost.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed as having ADHD is an important first step in finding the best treatment for your issues. Treatment options can differ based on your symptoms and impact they have on your life. It could be medication, cognitive behavioral therapy or coaching. The best choice is an extensive evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unable 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 assessments. These specialists are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to give a clear diagnosis within the space of a few weeks.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children, as the guidelines for identifying symptoms used by psychologists are geared toward identifying problems in children. The specialist will also conduct a physical examination and use questionnaires. Some doctors might even perform an examination of the brain to determine whether your brain is functioning as it should.
A thorough evaluation of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as about 80% of adults who have ADHD also have another condition such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, always consult a specialist psychiatrist or a therapist that specializes in mental health.
If you're unsure of who to call for an evaluation or diagnosis, ask your GP or contact your insurance company. They can tell you which professionals are experienced in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are part of the network. Alternately, you could contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your area. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group to recommend an expert.
private adhd assessment london takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test as well as a clinical interview and the completion of several validated assessments. The outcome of the test will be a thorough report that your specialist will send directly to your GP or in an email.
Medication
If you're experiencing 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 to conduct an assessment. The GP can evaluate your symptoms and read documents like school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they believe that you meet the criteria of a diagnosis.
If you're referred to a specialist you should make an appointment with them. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms, family history and history. They will also assess your current health and lifestyle. They may suggest medication to control your symptoms. They will explain the advantages and risks of these medications and help you decide which is the best option for you.
The medications used to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It enhances brain activity and can be prescribed as tablets that are immediate-release and taken two or three time every day, or modified release tablets that are taken once every week and released throughout the entire day. Methylphenidate can be used in teens, adults and children. Your specialist will discuss the recommended duration of the medication with you.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment may create the impression that these clinics are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary, initially called The ADHD Scandal and later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a good example.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD tests and treatments. However, this shouldn't be a reason to deny the fact that those who would like to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Just because a professional charges for their services does not mean that they can disregard evidence-based practices or bend the rules. They must nevertheless adhere to the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for psychiatrists, GPs and private ADHD experts.
Treatment
The right diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to managing your symptoms. Your physician may recommend you to an exclusive speciality clinic like an Priory hospital or wellness center for an assessment. The clinic will give you a full report of your results. In addition, they'll assist you in managing your symptoms so that you can live a more fulfilling life and improve your overall health.
The first step in the process is to complete a questionnaire. Typically, this will ask you to rate your behavior in different situations, such as at school, home or at work, as well as with your friends. You might be asked to bring along an individual from your family to provide assistance. Your Therapist will use this information to create an individualised treatment plan. They will assess your symptoms and how they impact you in various contexts, and also your current challenges in life. They will also recommend any other therapies that could be beneficial, for instance, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
After you've been assessed, your doctor will prescribe medication if needed. They'll consider your symptoms, your age, and other factors. They'll also take into consideration whether other medical conditions such as bipolar, anxiety, depression disorder may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
To make a precise ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is needed. This includes taking a medical history, taking physical and psychological tests, as well as analysing your answers to questions. The doctor will also 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 certain instances a psychiatrist or a doctor might determine that you do not meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. This could be due to the fact that the symptom list is too broad or that another condition better explains your symptoms. If you're not happy with the choice you made you may request a second opinion. This could be from an GP or psychiatrist.
Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you develop strategies to cope with the difficulties of living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how you can manage your symptoms at school or at work, as well as at home. They'll also offer you assistance and guidance in developing a an ideal self-image so that you can overcome the effects of your symptoms.