ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account

BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is calling them to account. It is claimed that private clinics are knowingly over-diagnosing ADHD.

Many people are seeking an individual ADHD diagnosis because they don't want to wait for a referral from NHS. Referrals from your GP can take a few months.

Signs and symptoms

There are a variety of treatment options when you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your work and personal life. This may include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life will allow you select the appropriate treatment.

Hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention are the primary symptoms and signs of adult ADHD. While we all exhibit certain behaviors at times, those with ADHD are more likely to experience them than other people and more frequently. These issues can cause major problems in their lives and can impact on relationships as well as work performance and overall well-being.

ADHD can make it difficult to focus, listen and follow instructions. It can cause issues at home and at school, and make people feel frustrated and overwhelmed. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety, and can cause difficulty with planning and organising tasks. It can create difficulties with appointments and obligations. It can also lead to forgetting important things like keys, money or mobile phones.

The signs of ADHD can also lead to issues with sleeping and eating and can have a negative effect on overall health and wellbeing. In some cases, unmanaged ADHD may be associated with anxiety and depression.

There is no cure for ADHD however, treatment can help improve your symptoms and decrease the impact they have on your life. You'll require a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare professional to discuss your issues. You will be asked to write down the symptoms and how they impact your daily life, including your family, work, and social life. They will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your requirements.

You may be recommended 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 sign an agreement to share care for your medication with your GP so that you only pay NHS prescription costs (as you and your GP agrees and you have been stabilised). This is possible at an additional fee.

Diagnosis

Getting diagnosed as having ADHD is a crucial first step in finding the appropriate treatment for your issues. Treatment options vary based on your symptoms and impact they have on your daily life. It could be medication, cognitive behavior therapy or coaching. The best option is an extensive evaluation and diagnosis from an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unwilling to recommend you, request a referral from a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They are experts in identifying ADHD and can give you an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children, as the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are actually designed to identify problems in kids. Besides taking your medical history, the specialist will likely conduct a medical interview and may also use questionnaires. Some doctors may even do an examination of the brain to determine if your brain is working in the way it should.

A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health check as about 80 percent of people with ADHD have a different condition such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, always consult a specialist psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.

If you are unsure who to ask for an evaluation or diagnosis, talk to your GP or contact your insurance company. They can tell you which specialists are experienced in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are part of the network. Alternatively, you can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to request recommendations for professionals in your area. Finally, if there's an ADHD support group in your local area you can ask for recommendations from people who are part of the group.

A thorough ADHD assessment will typically take 1.5 hours to perform and includes an online test, a clinical interview and several validated assessments. The outcome of the assessment is a comprehensive report that your doctor can send to your GP or send to third parties.

Medication

If you have symptoms of ADHD and they are impacting your daily life or relationships you should seek help from an expert. You should first visit your GP and ask for an appointment for an assessment. The GP will assess your symptoms and examine documents such as school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they feel that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.

Once you are directed to a specialist, you must make an appointment with them. The doctor will discuss your symptoms, your history and family history. They will also evaluate your current health and lifestyle. They may suggest that you consider medications to manage your symptoms. They will talk about the risks and benefits of the medication and help you decide which one is the best choice for you.

Stimulants are drugs used to treat ADHD. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It works by increasing activity in the brain and can be prescribed as tablets that release immediately, taken two or three times a day or as modified release tablets which are taken once a day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adolescents, adults and children. Your doctor will explain to you the duration you'll need to take the medication.

Unfortunately, certain media coverage of private ADHD evaluations and treatment may create the impression that these clinics are'shady'. One example is the BBC Panorama documentary originally called The ADHD Scandal, but was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Expose.

The NHS is struggling to meet the demands for ADHD assessments as well as treatment and assessment. However, this should not be a hindrance to those who want to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Simply because a healthcare professional charges for their services doesn't mean they are free to ignore the rules or ignore evidence-based practice. They must follow the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists too.

Treatment

Getting the right diagnosis for ADHD is an essential step in addressing your symptoms. Your physician may refer you to an exclusive specialist clinic such as an Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. The clinic will give you an entire report of the results. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your private adhd assessment overall health and lead a more fulfilling lifestyle.

The first step is to fill in an assessment form. Typically, this will ask you to rate your conduct in various situations, like at school, home or at work, as well as with your friends. You may also be asked to bring a family member with you to offer assistance. Your therapist 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 recommend other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

After a thorough evaluation your doctor will prescribe medication. They'll consider your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also take into consideration whether other medical conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.

For an accurate ADHD diagnosis A thorough exam is needed. This includes taking a medical history, conducting psychological and physical tests as well as analysing your responses to the questions. The doctor will inquire about any other health issues you've experienced and will look for other possible causes of your symptoms, including thyroid issues or depression.

In certain instances a psychiatrist or doctor may decide that you don't meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because your symptoms are too broad or another condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you're not satisfied with your decision you can seek an additional opinion from a different doctor or psychiatrist.

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