ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is calling them to account. Its claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people seek a private diagnosis of ADHD due to the fact that they cant wait for an NHS referral. It can take months to get diagnosed by your GP.
Symptoms
If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your personal and professional life, there are options for treatment. These include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life will allow you choose the best treatment.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and inattention are the primary symptoms of adult ADHD. Although we all demonstrate certain of these behaviors at times, those with 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 affect relationships and work performance as well as general wellbeing.
ADHD can make it hard to listen, concentrate and follow directions. It can cause problems at school and home, and make people feel frustrated and overwhelmed. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety and cause them to have difficulty planning and organizing tasks. It can cause issues with keeping track of appointments and obligations, and can also cause people to lose things like money, keys or the mobile phone.
Symptoms of ADHD can also cause problems with eating and sleeping and can have a negative effect on health and wellbeing overall. Untreated ADHD can be related to anxiety and depression.
ADHD is not curable, however treatment may help reduce symptoms and their impact on your life. You will need a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. You will be asked to explain the symptoms and how they affect your daily routine, including your work, family and social life. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment plan for you.
You can be directed by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory and request an assessment yourself. If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD, it is possible to get a shared care agreement for medication with your GP to ensure that you pay NHS prescription costs (as that your GP agrees and you have been stabilised). This can be arranged for an additional fee.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards determining the best treatment for your issues. Depending on your individual symptoms and the way they affect your life, treatment may vary from medication to cognitive behavioral therapy to coaching. The best approach is to get a thorough evaluation and diagnoses from an adult ADHD specialist. If your GP is unwilling to refer you, you can ask for a referral to a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital or wellness centre that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists have expertise in diagnosing ADHD and can provide you with a clear diagnosis within a few weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is more difficult than in children because the symptom guides used by psychologists were designed to identify problems in children. The specialist will also conduct a physical examination and use questionnaires. Some doctors will even perform an examination of the brain to determine if your brain is functioning in the way it should.
A complete evaluation includes a mental screening since 80percent of people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other conditions like autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). In order to be properly assessed, you should always visit an expert psychiatrist or a therapist that specializes in mental health.
If you're not sure who to contact for an evaluation or diagnosis, ask your GP or contact your insurance company. They will be able to tell you which professionals have experience diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the network. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your area. Ask members of an ADHD support group if they have any recommendations for an expert.
A full ADHD assessment typically lasts 1.5 hours and includes an online test and an interview with a clinician along with the completion of various valid assessments. The results of the test will be a comprehensive report that your doctor can direct to your GP or in a letter.
Medication
If you have symptoms of ADHD and they are impacting your daily life or relationships you should seek help from an expert. First, visit your GP and request an appointment to conduct an assessment. The GP will examine your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they feel that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
You should make an appointment with the specialist after having been sent to the specialist. The doctor will review your symptoms, your history and family history. They will also review your current health and your lifestyle. They may suggest medication to control your symptoms. They will discuss the risks and benefits of the medication and decide which option is best for you.
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It enhances brain activity and is prescribed as tablets that are immediate-release and taken two or three time every day or in modified release tablets taken once every week and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is a drug that can be used by teens, adults and children. Your specialist will discuss read more with you the duration you should take the medication.
Unfortunately, media coverage of private ADHD evaluations and treatment may make it appear as if these clinics are'shady'. BBC Panorama's documentary, initially called The ADHD Scandal, later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, is a great example.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demands for ADHD assessments and treatment. But, this should not detract from the fact that people who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Simply because the healthcare provider is charging for their services, it does not mean they are free to ignore the rules or ignore evidence-based practice. They must nevertheless adhere to guidelines set out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists as well.
Treatment
The correct diagnosis of ADHD is essential to manage your symptoms. Your GP may recommend you to an individual specialist clinic such as an Priory hospital or a wellbeing center for an assessment. The clinic will provide you with a complete report of your results. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live a more fulfilling lifestyle.
The first step of the process is to fill out a questionnaire. Typically, this will require you to rate your conduct in different situations, such as at home, school or at work, as well as with your friends. You may be asked to bring along an individual from your family to provide support. Your therapist will use the information you provide to formulate the treatment plan specifically tailored to your requirements. They will examine your symptoms and how they affect you in different contexts and the current issues you face. They will also suggest any other therapies that could be beneficial, like cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT).
After a thorough assessment your doctor will prescribe medication. They'll take into account your symptoms, your age, and other factors. They'll also take into consideration whether other medical conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
To make a precise ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is required. This includes taking a medical history, conducting physical and psychological tests, as well as analysing your responses to the questions. The doctor will ask about any other health issues you've had and look for other possible causes of your symptoms, such as depression or thyroid issues.
In some instances, the GP or psychiatrist will decide that you do not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because your symptoms are too broad or another condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with the decision you've made you may seek a second opinion. This can be done by the GP or a 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 manage your symptoms at home, at school and at work. They will also give you assistance and advice on developing a confidence in yourself so that you can conquer the symptoms.