ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
An investigation by BBC Panorama is holding private clinics that diagnose ADHD to take account. Its claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.
Many people are looking for an individual ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that they don't want wait for a referral from NHS. Referrals from your GP can take several months.
Signs and symptoms
If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your work and personal life, there are treatments available. This includes psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life can help you choose the best treatment.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and inattention are the main signs and symptoms for adult ADHD. Although we all demonstrate certain of these behaviors at times, people with ADHD are more likely to experience them than other people and more frequently. These symptoms can cause serious issues in their lives and have a negative effect on their relationships, their work performance, and overall health.
ADHD can cause problems with concentration and listen, as well as follow instructions. It can cause problems at home and in school and cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety and make them have trouble planning and organizing their tasks. It can cause problems with keeping track of appointments and obligations, and also causing people to forget things like keys, money or even the mobile phone.
ADHD symptoms can also lead to problems with eating and sleeping which can adversely impact overall well-being and health. In some cases, unmanaged ADHD may be associated with anxiety and depression.
There is no cure for ADHD however, treatment can help improve your symptoms and decrease the effects they can have on your life. You will require a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. You will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect your daily routine, including your work, family and social life. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment plan for you.
You can be directed by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory to arrange for an assessment yourself. If you have been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to set up a shared care agreement with your GP to pay only NHS prescription costs. This is possible at a cost.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is an important first step to find the appropriate treatment for your issues. Based on the specific symptoms you experience and the way they affect your life, treatment may vary from medication to cognitive behavior therapy to coaching. The best approach is to seek a thorough evaluation and diagnosis from a specialist for adult ADHD. If your doctor is unwilling to provide you with a referral, request a referral from a private health clinic such as Priory or any other well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. These specialists are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can give you a clear diagnosis within a couple of weeks.
The diagnosis of ADHD for adults can be more difficult than for children due to the symptom guides used by psychologists were created to identify problems in children. The specialist will also conduct a clinical examination and will use questionnaires. Some doctors will even conduct a brain scan in order to determine if your brain functions in the way it should.
A thorough evaluation of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as about 80% of adults who have ADHD also have another condition such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed, always visit an expert psychiatrist or a therapist that specializes in mental health.
If you're unsure of who to call to get an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance company to find out which specialists are part of the network and have the experience to determine adult ADHD. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD for recommendations on professionals in your region. Ask website members of an ADHD support group if they can recommend a professional.
A thorough ADHD assessment will typically take 1.5 hours to complete. It includes an online test, a clinical interview and the completion of several validated assessments. The outcome of the test is a detailed report that your specialist will send to your GP or send to third parties.
Medication
If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they are affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek help from an expert. First, visit your GP and request a referral to an assessment. The GP will be able to assess your symptoms and look over documents such as school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
Once you are referred to a specialist you should make an appointment with them. The doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history and family history. They will also review your health and your lifestyle. They may suggest medications to manage your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of the medication and determine which option is best for you.
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It improves the activity of the brain and can be prescribed as tablets that are immediate-release and which are taken twice or three times a day or in modified release tablets that are taken one time each week and released over the day. Methylphenidate is a drug that can be used by adolescents, adults, and children. Your specialist will discuss how long you should take the medication with you.
Some media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could create the impression that these clinics' are "shady". One example of this is the BBC Panorama documentary, originally called The ADHD Scandal. It was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments as well as treatment and assessment. However, this shouldn't hinder those who wish 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 still follow the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is also true for psychiatrists, GPs and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
Getting the right diagnosis for ADHD is a crucial step to manage your symptoms. Your GP may recommend an individual specialist clinic such as an Priory hospital or wellness center for an assessment. The clinic will provide you with complete information about the results. Additionally, they will assist you in managing your symptoms to help you live a more fulfilling life and improve your overall health.
The first step is to fill out an assessment form. In general, it will require you to rate your behavior in different situations, like at school, home or at work, as well as with your friends. You might be asked to bring a family member along with to provide assistance. Your therapist will make use of this information to formulate an individual treatment plan. They will assess your symptoms and how they impact you in different contexts and the current issues you face. They will also recommend other therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
After you've been assessed and your doctor has prescribed medications if required. They'll take into account your symptoms, your age, and other factors. They'll also determine if other conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD.
A thorough examination is required to make an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes taking medical history, performing psychological and physical tests, and analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will also discuss any other health issues that you've encountered and will also look for any other possible causes of your symptoms such as thyroid problems or depression.
In some instances the psychiatrist or GP will decide that you don't meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because your symptoms are too broad or that an alternative condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with the decision you've made you may seek a second opinion. This can be from an GP or psychiatrist.
In addition to prescribing medication as well, your psychologist will assist you in establishing strategies to deal with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They will offer you advice on how you can manage your issues at school, at work and at home. They'll also offer you guidance and support in developing confidence in yourself, to help you overcome the effects of your symptoms.