ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
An investigation conducted by BBC Panorama is holding private clinics that diagnose ADHD to take account. They are alleged to be over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people are seeking a private diagnosis of ADHD because they feel they are unable to wait for an NHS referral. Referrals from your GP can take a few months.
Symptoms
There are many treatment options if you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your personal and professional life. They include medication or psychotherapy. Understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life can help you select the appropriate treatment.
The main symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain of these behaviors in a few instances, those with ADHD do so more often and with greater frequency. These symptoms cause significant problems in their lives and can impact relationships, work performance and general well-being.
ADHD can cause problems with concentration, listen and follow instructions. It can lead to problems in school or at home and could cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety, and can cause difficulty with planning and organising tasks. It can lead to problems with appointments and responsibilities. It could also lead to the loss of important things like keys, money or mobile phones.
ADHD symptoms can cause issues with sleep and eating, which can negatively impact overall health and well-being. In certain cases, untreated ADHD may be associated with anxiety and depression.
ADHD is not curable, but treatment may help reduce symptoms and their impact on your life. You should discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional. You will be asked to explain the symptoms and how they affect your daily life, which includes your family, work and social life. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment plan for you.
You are recommended to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can contact Priory yourself and request an assessment. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to sign a shared care agreement for your medication with your GP to ensure that you pay NHS prescription costs (as you and your GP agrees and you have been stabilised). This can be arranged for an additional cost.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. Depending on the individual manifestations and how they impact your life, treatment can differ from medication to cognitive behavioral therapy to coaching. The best approach is to get an extensive evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor refuses to recommend you, request the referral of an independent healthcare clinic like Priory or another well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists are experts in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide 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 symptom guidelines used by psychologists are focused on identifying issues in kids. Apart from taking a medical history, the specialist will likely conduct a clinical interview and might also use questionnaires. Some doctors will even perform a brain scan in order to determine if your brain is functioning as it should.
A complete assessment will include a mental screening as 80% of adults with ADHD also suffer from other conditions like autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed it is essential to see a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained in mental health.
If you're not sure whom to call to get an evaluation and diagnosis, consider asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance company to find out which specialists are part of the network and have the expertise to diagnose adult ADHD. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD for recommendations of professionals in your region. Ask members of an ADHD support group if they can recommend a professional.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours to complete. It includes an online test, a medical interview and the completion of various assessments that are validated. The outcome of the test will be a thorough report which your specialist can send directly to your GP or in an email.
Medication
If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they are affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek website out help from a professional. First, visit your GP and request an appointment to conduct an assessment. The GP will be able to assess your symptoms and read documents like school reports. They will typically refer you to a specialist when they believe that you meet the criteria for diagnosis.
You should make an appointment to see the specialist after having been recommended. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms including family history, and your medical history. They will also evaluate your health and lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medication to control your symptoms. They will go over the benefits and risks of the medication and decide which is the best option for you.
Medications to treat ADHD are referred to 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 taken two or three time a day or modified release tablets taken once every week and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is appropriate for adults, adolescents and children. Your doctor will discuss the recommended duration of the medication with you.
Unfortunately, media coverage of private ADHD assessments and treatment can create the impression that these clinics are'shady'. One such example is the BBC Panorama documentary, originally titled The ADHD Scandal, but was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Expose.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD assessments and treatment. But, this should not hinder the fact that those who wish to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Even if a specialist charges for their services, does not mean they can disregard evidence-based practices or bend the rules. They must nevertheless adhere to the guidelines established by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists alike.
Treatment
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to manage your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend an individual clinic for evaluation for ADHD, such as Priory Hospital or a wellness centre. The clinic will give you the complete report of your findings. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead a more enjoyable lifestyle.
The first step in the process is to fill out a questionnaire. In general, it will require you to rate your behavior in different situations, for example, at home, school, work and with friends. You might be asked to bring along an individual from your family to provide support. Your counselor will make use of this information to formulate an individualised treatment plan. They will examine your symptoms, how they affect you in different contexts and the current issues you face. They will also suggest other treatments that might 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 look at whether other conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough examination is necessary to make an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes taking a medical history, performing tests of the psychological and physical, and analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will inquire about any other health issues you've experienced and will check for other possible causes for your symptoms, such as depression or thyroid issues.
In some instances a psychiatrist or doctor might decide that you do not meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because the symptoms are too broad or another condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with the decision made, you can ask for an alternative opinion. This can be from a psychiatrist or GP.
In addition to prescribing medication as well, your psychologist will help you develop strategies to deal with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how to cope with your issues at school, at home, and at work. They'll also offer you guidance and assistance in creating a a healthy self-image, to help you overcome the effects of your symptoms.