BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is calling them to account. Its claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people are looking for an independent ADHD diagnosis because they don't want wait for a referral from the NHS. Referrals from your GP can take several months.
Signs and symptoms
If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms that affect your personal and professional life, there are options for treatment. These include psychotherapy or medication. It is important to take the time to comprehend your symptoms and how they impact on your life is vital and can help guide the treatment you receive.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and inattention are the most prominent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD. While we all display certain behaviors at times, those with ADHD do so more often and to a greater degree. These symptoms cause significant problems in their lives, and they can affect relationships, work performance and general wellbeing.
ADHD can make it difficult to focus and listen, as well as follow instructions. It can cause problems in the classroom or at home and could cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also cause people to feel agitated and irritable, and make them have trouble planning and organizing tasks. It can cause problems with keeping appointments and responsibilities, as well as forgetting things such as keys, money, or the mobile phone.
The signs of ADHD can also lead to issues with sleeping and eating which can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. In some cases, unmanaged ADHD may be associated with anxiety and depression.
ADHD is not curable, however treatment can help ease symptoms and impact on your life. You should discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider. They will ask you to explain how your symptoms impact your daily life and whether they have a negative impact on your work, home and social life. The doctor will then recommend the most effective treatment plan for you.
You may be directed to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can call Priory yourself and arrange an assessment. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to obtain an agreement to share care for your medication with your GP to ensure that you pay NHS prescription charges (as long you and your GP accepts this and you've been stabilized). This can be done at an extra cost.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. Depending on the individual manifestations and the way they affect your life, treatment may vary from medication to cognitive therapy to coaching. The best choice is an extensive evaluation and diagnosis from an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is not willing to recommend you, you can ask for a referral to a private health clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital or wellbeing center that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. These experts are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide a precise diagnosis within only a few weeks.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children because the guidelines for identifying symptoms used by psychologists are geared toward identifying problems in children. The specialist will also conduct a medical examination and use questionnaires. Some doctors will even perform a brain scan in order to determine if your brain functions as it should.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health check as about 80% of adults who suffer from ADHD also suffer from another disorder such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order to be properly assessed, always consult a specialist psychiatrist or a therapist who is specialized in mental health.
If you are unsure who to call to get an evaluation or a diagnosis, consult your GP or contact your insurance company. They can tell you which professionals have experience diagnosing adult 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 find recommendations for professionals in your region. If there's an ADHD support group in your local area you can ask for recommendations from people who are members of the group.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment will typically take 1.5 hours to complete and includes an online test, a clinic interview and the completion of several validated assessments. The outcome of the test is a thorough report that your doctor can send to your GP or send to third parties.
Medication
If your symptoms of ADHD are impacting your daily life or your relationships, you should seek professional help. First, you should visit your GP and ask for a referral to an assessment. The GP will assess your symptoms and examine documents like school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they feel that you meet the criteria of a diagnosis.
If you are referred to a specialist you should make an appointment with them. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, family history and history. They will also evaluate the current state of your health and lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medications to manage your symptoms. They will explain the benefits and risks of the medication and determine which one is the best option for you.
Treatments for ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It is a stimulant in the brain and can be prescribed as immediate-release tablets that are taken two or three times per day or as modified release tablets, which are taken once a day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is a drug that can be used by adolescents, adults, and children. Your specialist will discuss the recommended duration of the medication with you.
Some media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment can give an impression that these clinics are "shady". One example is the BBC Panorama documentary, originally called The ADHD Scandal, but later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Explicit.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD tests and treatments. However, this shouldn't, detract from those who want to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Just because a healthcare professional charges for their services does not mean they can bend the rules or disregard evidence-based practice. They must nevertheless adhere to the guidelines outlined by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for psychiatrists, GPs, and private ADHD experts.
Treatment
Getting the right diagnosis for ADHD is an important step to manage your symptoms. Your doctor may suggest an individual clinic for evaluation for ADHD, such as Priory Hospital or a wellbeing centre. The clinic will provide you with the complete report of your results. In addition, they'll help you manage your symptoms so that you can live a more satisfying life and improve your overall health.
The first step of the process is to fill out a questionnaire. In general, it will ask you to rate your behavior in different situations, for example, at home, school or at work, as well as with your friends. You may also be asked to bring a family member along with you to offer assistance. Your Therapist will use this information to create an individual treatment plan. They will examine your symptoms, how they affect you in different situations and the current issues you face. They will also suggest any other treatments that may be beneficial, like cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT).
Once you've had an assessment, your doctor will prescribe medication if needed. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, your age, and other factors. They'll also look at whether other conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder may be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough examination is required for an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes taking a medical history, conducting tests of the psychological and physical and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will also discuss any other health issues you've had and will also search for any other possible causes of your symptoms such as thyroid issues or depression.
In certain instances a psychiatrist or doctor might decide that you do not meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. This could be due to the fact that the symptom list is a bit too broad or that another condition better explains your symptoms. If you're not happy with the choice you made you may request a second opinion. Read This method can be done by the GP or a psychiatrist.
In addition to prescribing medication and therapists, your psychologist can also assist you in developing strategies for dealing with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how to deal with your issues at school as well as at work and at home. They will also provide assistance and guidance to develop a a positive self-image so that you can conquer the symptoms.
