Adult ADHD assessment and treatment is becoming more difficult to access on the NHS due to the long waiting lists. Many patients are turning towards private clinics for diagnosis and treatment via out-of-pocket plans or right to choose arrangements.
BBC Panorama exposed these clinics. The process of obtaining an accurate diagnosis in private isn't easy.
Finding a diagnosis
ADHD is an illness that affects people of all age groups. Adults with ADHD struggle to manage the symptoms that can create problems at home and at work. A private ADHD assessment can help adults gain the specialist insight they need to identify and treat their symptoms.
A qualified psychiatrist or clinical psychology will make a personal diagnosis of adhd. They will analyze your symptoms in detail, including the effects they affect your daily life. They will then develop an appropriate treatment plan that is based on your individual requirements. This will include a discussion on medication and other therapies.
Consult your family physician If you're concerned that you may have ADHD. They may refer you to an expert in mental health or suggest a questionnaire online which asks you questions regarding your symptoms. Once you've filled out the questionnaire the mental health professional will conduct an interview that is structured and then compare your answers to an inventory. This is known as an ADHD assessment and could take as long as two sessions. It is usually helpful to have a family member or a close friend with you as help.
You may also have a questionnaire that you can give your spouse, employer or boss to fill out so that they can provide feedback on your symptoms. They will also look into your history of ADHD as when you were a child and later in your adulthood. They will ask you to rate the frequency with which your symptoms occur and what impact they have on your daily life. You may be asked to rate your behavior in different social situations.
While a lot of people are diagnosed with ADHD as children, a few don't get a diagnosis until much later in the course of their lives. This can be a stressful experience, particularly since medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD is like. Remember that these biases may result in inaccurate or incorrect assessments.
A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private doctors were overdiagnosing ADHD. This is a problem since an incorrect diagnosis can result in inadequate or unsuitable treatment. It is essential to choose a provider with experience and a good reputation.
Medication
In most cases, when someone is diagnosed as having ADHD the person will be prescribed medication. The medication could come in the form of antidepressants such as Atomoxetine or bupropion, or even stimulants such as dexamphetamine and methylphenidate. Many of these drugs are available in extended-release or long-acting formulations, which accumulate slowly in the bloodstream and therefore minimize the risk of side effects.
It is worth noting that medication is only used to control ADHD symptoms and does not cure it. Patients who do not receive treatment for ADHD are still struggling with their relationships, work and wellbeing. Anyone with ADHD should be aware of their symptoms and seek treatment if necessary.
A medical professional is the one to diagnose ADHD and determine which type of treatment is suitable. This could include psychologist, psychiatrist or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). However, just because a health professional is certified in one of these areas does not mean they have expertise in diagnosing ADHD or comorbidities in adults and children.
The process of finding the best treatment for the child diagnosed with ADHD can be frustrating and long. People who can afford it may opt to take a private assessment, but the cost of this procedure can be quite high.
There are reports of private providers claiming to over-diagnose ADHD due to inadequate clinical assessments. This could be a problem for patients and GPs who will have to accept prescribing arrangements that were created by private clinics or through right-to-choose arrangements.
Adults aren't able to get an assessment through the NHS. However, they can have an assessment privately for example, at a Priory Health Centre or Hospital. This can be expensive, but it is possible to transfer the diagnosis back to a GP and receive medications under the NHS in the event that the patient has been stable on their prescription for a long period of time. Some extended health insurance plans will cover the cost. If you are unable to afford to pay for an assessment and treatment, there is a no-cost diagnosis service provided by the charity ADHD Foundation.
Therapy
If you're not able to reduce your ADHD symptoms through medication or you're looking to improve your overall performance and require guidance to motivate yourself, counseling could be helpful. In therapy, you'll be taught the cognitive distortions that lead to negative thinking patterns such as procrastination or impulsivity. You'll also learn how to overcome these patterns. Your Therapist will also teach you self-management systems to help you cope with your ADHD symptoms.
Counselling is particularly beneficial for adults who were neglected or abused as children, and who are struggling to come to accept their ADHD diagnosis and who feel like they've failed in their lives because of the effects of ADHD. They might feel shame or guilt for their inability to interact appropriately with other people, especially at school and at work. Individual therapy can help you establish more positive relationships as well as healthy coping mechanisms for your feelings.
Counselling can aid adults suffering from ADHD who are having difficulties at work. They can learn strategies to overcome challenges and manage their performance. Your counselor might advise you to tell your professor or boss about your ADHD and ask for accommodations at workplace or in the classroom. Vocational assessments can also be helpful in identifying your strengths and weaknesses, so that you can adjust your goals to suit them.
To determine the correct diagnosis, a complete mental health test is required. This is crucial as a number other conditions can appear similar to ADHD. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers also suffer from co-morbid problems that affect their mental health, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or psychosis. The GPs are concerned that private ADHD clinics may not be providing full mental health screenings and may be misdiagnosing patients. In fact a recent study conducted by the BJGP suggested that the current assessment pathways could be causing unnecessary harm to vulnerable adults by swamping NHS mental health services with ADHD referrals.
It is long past time to streamline the process of diagnosing and assessing ADHD. I hope that the BBC's Panorama expose will lead to changes in how ADHD is assessed and treated. In the meantime, people suffering from ADHD can find an independent service for a low-cost and prompt diagnosis that can get them on the right path to recovery.
Support
Asking for an assessment is the first step to take in case you suspect that you or someone else you know might have ADHD. It's a good idea to describe the symptoms you or the person you're experiencing and how they have affected your life. This will help your clinician understand what you've been going through.
In the aftermath of a BBC Panorama investigation that claimed private psychiatrists were unable to diagnose ADHD, many people have been concerned about how hard it is to get diagnosed by the NHS. It's true that GPs are flooded with referrals for ADHD assessments and it could take months to visit an expert, making patients stressed and anxious as they wait for an answer.
This is especially difficult for older adults who are typically employed and can't afford to be off of work for months as they are waiting. Some people are turning to private clinics to receive their diagnosis and treatment as fast as they can. It's expensive, and your health insurance might not cover the costs.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief for many people however, it can also bring up questions about their identity and where they fit within the world. It is important to take the time to sort out your emotions, especially if you feel overwhelmed. private adhd assessment near me is helpful to discuss these feelings with a close friend or therapist or others who have similar experiences.
Adults with ADHD may require extra help at work or school to achieve their full potential. This could include things like breaks in the classroom, extra time for exams, and written instructions for tasks. You should discuss any issues with your supervisor or instructor because they might be more inclined than you to make adjustments. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you discuss with your family and friends about your mental health struggles. Having a strong support system is crucial, and your loved ones can help you manage your condition through therapy, medication or other strategies that could be beneficial for you.
