ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account

BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is holding them to account. It is claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.

Many people are looking for an independent ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that they don't want wait for a referral from the NHS. It could take months to get an appointment with your GP.

Signs and 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 how they impact on your life is vital and will help to guide the treatment you receive.

The main symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Although we all demonstrate certain of these behaviors at times, people who have ADHD experience them more frequently than others and more frequently. These issues can cause significant issues in their lives and can have a negative impact on their relationships, work performance and overall well-being.

ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate and listen to instructions. It can cause problems at school as well as at home, and can cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also make people feel restless and fidgety and cause problems with planning and organising tasks. It can lead to trouble with keeping track of appointments and obligations, as well as forgetting things like money, keys or the mobile phone.

ADHD symptoms can also lead to issues with sleep and eating 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 however, treatment can help improve your symptoms and reduce the impact they can have on your life. You'll need a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms. They will ask you to describe how your symptoms impact your daily life and whether they have a negative impact on your home, work and social life. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment plan for you.

You are directed to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can call Priory yourself and schedule an assessment. If you've been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to create an agreement for shared care with your GP to pay only NHS prescription costs. This can be arranged at a cost.

Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with ADHD is an important first step towards determining the right treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options can differ based on your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. It could be medication, cognitive behavior therapy or coaching. The best choice is an in-depth evaluation and diagnosis from an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is not willing to refer you, you can request a referral to a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital or wellness centre that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. These experts are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can provide a clear diagnosis within a few short weeks.

The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children, as the symptom guidelines utilized by psychologists are actually designed to identify problems in children. The doctor will likely conduct a clinical examination and use questionnaires. Some doctors might even conduct a brain scan to see if your brain is working the way it should.

A thorough assessment includes a mental screening as 80percent of people suffering from ADHD also suffer from other conditions like autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed it is essential to visit a psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.

If you're not sure who to call to get an evaluation and diagnosis, consider asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance company to determine who is in the network and have the knowledge to determine adult ADHD. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD for recommendations on professionals in your region. Ask those who belong to an ADHD support group if they have any recommendations for a professional.

A thorough ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test as well as a clinical interview along with the completion of a variety of tests that are validated. The result of the test is a detailed report that your specialist can send to your GP or a letter to third parties.

Medication

If you have symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek help from a professional. You should first website visit your GP and ask for an appointment for an assessment. The GP will be able to assess 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 specialist once you have been referred. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms including family history, and your medical history. They will also evaluate your health and lifestyle. They may suggest medication to control your symptoms. They will go over the potential risks and benefits of the medication and help you decide which is the best option for you.

The medications used to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It is a stimulant in the brain and can be prescribed as immediate-release tablets, taken two or three times per day or as modified release tablets that are taken every day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate can be used in teens, adults and children. Your doctor will determine the recommended duration of the medication with you.

Some media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment can make it appear as if these clinics are "shady". One such example is the BBC Panorama documentary, originally called The ADHD Scandal, but later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Explicit.

The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments as well as treatment and assessment. However, this shouldn't hinder the fact that people who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Just because a healthcare professional is charging for their services does not mean that they are able to evade rules or ignore evidence-based practice. They must still follow the guidelines established by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. That is true of GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists too.

Treatment

A proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to managing your symptoms. Your GP may refer you to an individual specialist clinic, such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. The clinic will give you an entire report of the results. In addition, they will assist you in managing your symptoms to help you live a happier life and improve your overall wellbeing.

The first step is to fill in a questionnaire. This will usually ask you to rate your behave in various situations. For instance at work, school or with your friends. You might be asked to bring a family member with you for support. Your Therapist will utilize this information to develop an individualised treatment plan. They will assess your symptoms, their impact on different situations, as well as your current challenges in life. They will also recommend other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

After a thorough assessment your doctor will prescribe medication. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also take into consideration whether other disorders like bipolar, anxiety, depression disorder may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.

To make a precise ADHD diagnosis, a thorough examination is required. This includes taking your medical history, taking psychological and physical tests and also analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will inquire about any other health problems you have had and will look for other possible causes for your symptoms, including depression or thyroid issues.

In some cases, a GP or psychiatrist may decide that you don't meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because the symptom list is a bit too broad, or it might be that a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with the decision you've made you may request an alternative opinion. This can be from the GP or a psychiatrist.

In addition to prescribing medications as well, your psychologist will assist you in developing strategies for coping with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how you can manage your symptoms at school, at home and at work. They will also provide guidance and support in developing confidence in yourself, so that you can conquer the effects of your symptoms.