ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account

BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is making them accountable. They are alleged to be over-diagnosing the condition.

Many people are looking for a private ADHD diagnosis because they don't want wait for a referral from the NHS. Referrals from your GP can take a few months.

Symptoms

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

Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are the primary symptoms of adult ADHD. While we all display some of these behaviors at times, those who suffer from ADHD exhibit them more frequently and to a greater degree. These issues can cause major problems in their lives and may impact on relationships and work performance as well as general wellbeing.

ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen, and follow directions. It can lead to problems at school as well as at home, and can cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to feel agitated and irritable, and make them have trouble planning and organizing tasks. It can lead to trouble with managing appointments and responsibilities as well as forgetting things like keys, money or even the mobile phone.

The symptoms of ADHD can also cause problems with eating and sleeping and can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. Unmanaged ADHD is often associated with anxiety and depression.

There is no cure for ADHD, but treatment can improve your symptoms and lessen the impact they have on your life. You should discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider. You will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they impact your daily life, which includes your work, family and social life. They will then suggest a treatment plan based on your requirements.

You can be referred to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can contact Priory yourself and arrange 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 to ensure that you only pay NHS prescription charges (as you and your GP agrees and you have been stabilised). This is possible at an additional fee.

Diagnosis

Getting diagnosed with ADHD is an important first step to find the best treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options can differ based on your symptoms and impact they have on your life. It could be medication, cognitive therapy or coaching. The best approach is to get an extensive evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is not willing to refer you, you can request a referral to a private health clinic such as Priory or another well-known health or wellness center that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists are experts in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide a clear diagnosis in just the space of a few weeks.

Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children because the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are designed to identify problems in kids. Apart from taking a medical history, the specialist is likely to conduct a clinical interview and may also use questionnaires. Some doctors might even perform a brain scan to determine whether your brain is functioning the way it should.

A thorough evaluation of ADHD will also include a mental health screening since around 80 percent of adults who have ADHD have a different condition such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed it is crucial to visit a psychiatrist specialist in mental health.

If you're not sure whom to call for an evaluation and diagnosis, you might consider asking your GP for recommendations or calling your insurance company to find out who is in the network and have the experience to determine adult ADHD. Alternately, you could contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find recommendations for professionals in your area. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group if they have any recommendations for a professional.

A complete ADHD assessment will typically take 1.5 hours to complete. It includes an online test, a clinic interview and various assessments that are validated. The result of the test is a detailed report that your specialist can send to your GP or write to third parties.

Medication

If your symptoms of ADHD are affect your everyday life or relationships you must seek out professional help. You should first visit your GP and ask for an appointment for an assessment. The GP can assess your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will only refer you to specialists when they feel that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.

You should make an appointment with the specialist once you have been referred. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, family history and history. They will also assess the current health status and your lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medications to manage your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of the medications and help you decide which is best for you.

Medications to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It improves brain activity and is prescribed as tablets that are immediate-release and that are taken three or two times every day, or modified release tablets that are taken once each week and released over the entire day. Methylphenidate is a drug that can be read more used by teens, adults and children. Your doctor will determine the duration of the medication with you.

Unfortunately, some media coverage of private ADHD assessments and treatment can make it appear as if these clinics are'shady'. One such example is the BBC Panorama documentary, originally titled The ADHD Scandal, which later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed.

There is no doubt that the NHS is struggling to meet the demands for ADHD assessments and treatment. However, this shouldn't be a reason to deny the fact that people who would like 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 disregard evidence-based practice. They must 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

The correct diagnosis of ADHD is crucial for managing your symptoms. Your physician might suggest an assessment at a private clinic, such as Priory Hospital or a wellbeing center. The clinic will provide you with a full report of the results. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live an enjoyable life.

The first step is to fill in a questionnaire. Typically, this will require you to rate your behavior in various situations, like at home, school or at work and with your friends. You might be asked to bring a family member for support. Your Therapist will utilize this information to develop an individualised treatment plan. They will examine your symptoms, their impact in different situations, as well as your current life challenges. They will also suggest any other therapies that could be beneficial, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

After a thorough examination the doctor can prescribe medication. They will consider your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also consider whether other conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder may be contributing to your ADHD.

For an accurate ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is required. This includes taking your medical history, performing psychological and physical tests as well as analysing your responses to the questions. The doctor will inquire about any other health problems you've experienced and will check for other possible causes for your symptoms, including thyroid issues or depression.

In certain instances, the GP or psychiatrist may decide that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. This could be due to the fact that the list of symptoms isn't enough or that another condition better explains your symptoms. If you're not pleased with the outcome you may request a second opinion from another doctor or psychiatrist.

Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you devise strategies to deal with the challenges of living with ADHD. They will give you advice on how to manage your issues at home, at school and at work. They will also provide assistance and advice on developing a an optimistic self-image to help you overcome your symptoms.