ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
An investigation by BBC Panorama is holding private clinics that diagnose ADHD to take account. They are alleged to be over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people seek a private diagnosis of ADHD because they feel they cannot wait for an NHS referral. It could take months to get an appointment with your GP.
Symptoms
There are many treatment options for those suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your personal and professional life. These include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life can help you select the appropriate treatment.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and inattention are the most prominent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD. Although we all demonstrate some of these behaviours at times, people who have ADHD are more likely to experience them than other people and to a greater extent. These symptoms can cause serious issues in their lives and have a negative impact on their relationships, their work performance, and overall health.
ADHD can cause problems with concentration and listen to instructions. It can cause issues at home and at school and cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to be irritable and tense and can cause difficulty with planning and organising tasks. It can cause problems with appointments and responsibilities. It can also cause people to forget important things like keys, money, or mobile phones.
ADHD symptoms can also cause problems with eating and sleep, which can negatively impact overall health and well-being. If not managed, ADHD is sometimes related to anxiety and depression.
There is no cure for ADHD however, treatment can improve your symptoms and decrease the effects they have on your life. You'll need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional. They will ask you to describe how your symptoms impact your day-to-day activities and whether they have a negative impact on your work, home and social life. They will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your needs.
You can be recommended to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can call Priory yourself and schedule an assessment. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD, it is possible to get an agreement to share care for your medication with your GP so that you only pay NHS prescription charges (as you and your GP agrees to this and you have been stabilised). This is possible at an extra cost.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed as having ADHD is the first step in finding the best treatment for your issues. Treatment can vary depending on your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. It could be medication, cognitive behavioral therapy or coaching. The best option is to seek an extensive evaluation and diagnosis from a specialist for adult ADHD. If your doctor refuses to provide you with a referral, request a referral from an independent healthcare clinic like Priory or any other reputable hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide a clear diagnosis to you within a few short weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD for adults can be more difficult than it is for children, because the symptom guides used by psychologists were designed to help identify issues in children. Apart from taking a medical history, the specialist will likely conduct a clinical interview and may also use questionnaires. Some doctors will even conduct an MRI of your brain to determine if your brain is functioning as it should.
A complete assessment includes a mental screening, as the majority of people with ADHD also have another condition such as autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed it is crucial to see a psychiatrist or specialist in mental health.
If you're not sure who to call to get an evaluation or a diagnosis, talk to your GP or call your insurance company. They can inform you which specialists have expertise in diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the network. Alternatively, you can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find recommendations for professionals in your region. Also, if there's an ADHD support group in your community Ask for recommendations from people who attend the group.
A thorough ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test and an interview with a clinician, as well as the completion of a variety of validated assessments. The result of the assessment will be a detailed report which your specialist can directly send to your GP or write a letter.
Medication
If the symptoms of ADHD are affect your everyday life or relationships you must seek help from a professional. The first step is to visit your GP (family doctor) and request that they refer you for an assessment. The GP will evaluate your symptoms and look over documents such as school reports. They typically only refer you to a specialist when they believe you meet the criteria for diagnosis.
You should make an appointment with the doctor after you have been sent to the specialist. The doctor will review your symptoms, history and family history. They will also review your health and life style. They may suggest you consider medication to treat your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of the medications and work out which is the best option for you.
Medications to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It improves the activity of the brain and can be prescribed as tablets that are immediate-release and taken two or three time a day or in modified release tablets taken once a week and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is a drug that can be used by teens, adults and children. Your specialist will discuss with you the length of time you'll need to take the medication.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment may give an impression that these clinics' are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary here called The ADHD Scandal but later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, is a good illustration.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments, treatment and assessment. This should not, however, detract from those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Simply because a healthcare professional is charging for their services does not mean they are free to ignore the rules or ignore evidence-based practice. They must adhere to guidelines set out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is also true for GPs, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
Getting the right diagnosis for ADHD is an important step in managing your symptoms. Your physician might recommend a private clinic for assessment, such as Priory Hospital or a wellbeing centre. The clinic will give you the complete report of the results. In addition, they'll help you manage your symptoms to help you live a more fulfilling life and improve your overall wellbeing.
The first step of the process is to complete a questionnaire. Typically, this will ask you to rate your conduct in different situations, for example, at school, home or at work, as well as with your friends. You may also be asked to bring a family member with to provide support. Your therapist will utilize this information to develop an individual treatment plan. They will examine your symptoms and how they impact you in different situations and also your current challenges in life. They may also suggest other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Once you've had an assessment and your doctor has prescribed medications if required. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, your age, and other aspects. They'll also consider whether other conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder may be contributing to your ADHD.
For an accurate ADHD diagnosis, a thorough examination is needed. This includes taking a medical history, performing psychological and physical tests, and also analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will inquire about any other health issues you've experienced and will check for other possible causes of your symptoms, including thyroid issues or depression.
In some instances, a psychiatrist or doctor will decide that you don't meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because the symptoms are too broad or another condition is more suitable to explain your symptoms. If you are not satisfied with the choice you made you may request an additional opinion. This can be from an GP or psychiatrist.
In addition to prescribing medication as well, your psychologist will help you develop strategies to deal with the challenges of living with ADHD. They will offer you advice on how to deal with your issues at school, at work and at home. They will also provide support and guidance in developing an optimistic self-image so that you can overcome your symptoms.