ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account

BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is making them accountable. It is claimed that private clinics over-diagnosing ADHD.

Many people seek a private diagnosis of ADHD due to the fact that they cannot wait for an NHS referral. Referrals from your GP can take several months.

Symptoms

If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact on your professional 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 symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While we all display certain behaviors in a few instances, those with ADHD do so more often and to a greater degree. These symptoms can cause serious problems in their life and have a negative impact on their relationships, work performance, and overall health.

ADHD can make it hard to concentrate, listen, and follow directions. It can cause issues at school and home and cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety and cause them to have difficulty organizing and planning tasks. It can cause issues with keeping track of appointments and obligations, as well as forgetting things like money, keys or the mobile phone.

The symptoms of ADHD can also lead to problems with eating and sleeping and can have a negative impact on health and wellbeing overall. In certain cases, untreated ADHD can be linked to depression and anxiety.

ADHD is not curable, but treatment can help ease symptoms and their impact on your life. You'll need a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. You will be asked to write down the symptoms and how they affect your daily life, which includes your family, work, and social life. They will then suggest a treatment plan based on your requirements.

You can be directed by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory to arrange for an assessment yourself. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to get a shared care agreement for your medication with your GP so that you only pay NHS prescription charges (as long you and your GP accepts this and you've been stabilized). This is possible at an extra cost.

Diagnosis

Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a crucial first step towards determining the best treatment for your symptoms. Based on the specific symptoms you experience and how they impact your life, treatment may differ from medication to cognitive behavioral therapy to coaching. The best approach is to get a thorough evaluation and diagnoses by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unwilling to recommend you, request an appointment with a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. These specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can provide you with an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks.

The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children due to the guidelines for identifying symptoms used by psychologists are actually geared toward identifying problems in children. Besides taking your medical history, your specialist will likely conduct a medical interview and might also use questionnaires. Some doctors might even perform a brain scan to determine whether your brain is functioning in the way it should.

A thorough assessment includes a mental screening since 80% of adults with ADHD also suffer from other conditions like autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). To be able to properly assess the condition it is crucial to visit a psychiatrist psychologist who is trained in mental healthcare.

If you're unsure of who to contact to get an evaluation or a diagnosis, consult your GP or call your insurance company. They can inform you which doctors have experience diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the network. Alternately, you could contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to request recommendations for professionals in your region. Also, if there's an ADHD support group in your area, ask for recommendations from people who attend the group.

A comprehensive ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours to complete. It includes an online test, a clinical interview and the completion of several validated assessments. The outcome of the test is a detailed report that your doctor can send to your GP or send to third parties.

Medication

If you have symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek out help from a professional. Your first step should be to visit your GP (family doctor) and request that they refer you for an assessment. The GP will evaluate your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they feel that you meet the criteria of a diagnosis.

If you are directed to a specialist, you should make an appointment with them. The doctor will discuss your symptoms, your history and family history. They will also evaluate the current state of your health and your lifestyle. They might suggest you take medication to control your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of the medication and work out which is the best option for you.

The medications used to treat ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It improves the activity of the brain and can be prescribed in tablets with immediate release that are taken two or three time a day, or modified release tablets that are taken once a week and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate can be used in adults, teenagers and children. Your doctor will determine how long you should take the medication with you.

Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could create the impression that these clinics are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary, initially titled The ADHD Scandal, later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, is a great illustration.

The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments, treatment and assessment. However, this should not be a reason to deny the fact that people who would like to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should have access to high-quality healthcare. The fact that the healthcare provider is charging for their services does not mean they can bend the rules or disregard evidence-based practices. They must still adhere to guidelines set out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for psychiatrists, GPs and private ADHD specialists.

Treatment

Getting the right diagnosis for ADHD is an essential step to manage your symptoms. Your GP may recommend an assessment at a private clinic, such as Priory Hospital or a wellness centre. The clinic will give you the complete report of your results. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead a more fulfilling lifestyle.

The first step is to fill in a questionnaire. In general, it will ask you to rate your behaviours in various situations, for example, at school, home or at work and with your friends. You may also be asked to bring a family member with you to offer assistance. Your counselor will use this information to create an individual treatment plan. They will examine your symptoms and how they impact you in various contexts, and also your current challenges in life. They will also suggest alternative treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

After you've completed an assessment the doctor will prescribe medication if necessary. They will consider your symptoms, your age and other factors. They'll also consider whether other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder may be contributing to your ADHD.

A thorough exam is essential to establish an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes more info taking a medical history, taking tests of the psychological and physical, and analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will talk with you about any other health issues you've had and will also search for other possible causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or depression.

In some instances a psychiatrist or a doctor might decide that you don't meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because your symptoms are too broad or an alternative condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you're not pleased with the outcome, you can request an additional opinion from a different psychiatrist or GP.

Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you devise strategies to deal with the challenges of living with ADHD. They will offer you advice on how to manage your symptoms at school, at work and at home. They'll also offer you guidance and assistance in creating a a healthy self-image, so that you can overcome the effects of your symptoms.