ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account

BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is making them accountable. It is claimed that private clinics are knowingly over-diagnosing ADHD.

Many people are seeking an individual ADHD diagnosis because they don't want to wait for a referral from the NHS. It can take months to be referred by your GP.

Signs and symptoms

If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your personal and professional life There are treatments available. This includes psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life will help you select the appropriate treatment.

The main symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain of these behaviors in a few instances, those with ADHD exhibit them more frequently and in greater amounts. These issues can cause major problems in their life and can have a negative impact on their relationships, their work performance, and general well-being.

ADHD can make it difficult to listen, concentrate and follow instructions. It can lead to problems in the classroom and at home and may cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also make people feel anxious and fidgety, and cause problems with planning and organising tasks. It can cause problems with managing appointments and responsibilities and also causing people to forget things such as keys, money or even the mobile phone.

The signs of ADHD can also cause problems with eating and sleeping which can have a negative effect on health and wellbeing overall. In some instances, untreated ADHD may be associated with anxiety and depression.

There is no cure for ADHD however, treatment can improve your symptoms and lessen the impact they have on your daily life. You will require a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional to discuss your issues. You will be asked to write down the symptoms and how they affect your daily routine, including your family, work and social life. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment strategy for you.

You are recommended 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 obtain an agreement to share care for your medication with your GP to ensure that you only pay NHS prescription costs (as long that your GP agrees to this and you have been stabilised). This is possible at an extra cost.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. Depending on your individual symptoms and the way they affect your life, treatment can differ from medication to cognitive behavioral therapy to coaching. The best option is a thorough evaluation and diagnoses by an adult ADHD specialist. If your GP is unwilling to recommend you, you can request a referral to a private health clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital or wellbeing centre that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They are experts in identifying ADHD and can give you an accurate diagnosis within a few weeks.

Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children because the guidelines for identifying symptoms used by psychologists are really geared toward identifying problems in children. The doctor will likely conduct a medical exam and use questionnaires. Some doctors might even conduct a brain scan to determine whether your brain is functioning 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 be able to properly assess the condition it is crucial to visit a psychiatrist psychologist who is trained in the field of mental health.

If you're not sure who to contact to get an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for recommendations or calling your insurance provider to find out which specialists are part of the network and have the experience to identify adult ADHD. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find recommendations for professionals in your region. Ask those who belong to an ADHD support group if they have any recommendations for an expert.

A full ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test as well as an interview with a clinician and the completion of various validated assessments. The outcome of the assessment is a thorough report that your specialist can send to your GP or send to third parties.

Medication

If the symptoms of ADHD are affect your daily life or your relationships, you should seek out professional help. Your first step should be to visit your GP (family doctor) and ask them to recommend you for an assessment. The GP will evaluate your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will typically refer you to a specialist if they believe you meet the criteria for diagnosis.

Once you are directed to a specialist, you must make an appointment with them. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms, family history and history. They will also assess your health and your lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medication to treat your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of these medications and determine which one is the best option for you.

The medications used to treat ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity of the brain and can be prescribed in immediate-release tablets taken two or three time every day, or modified release tablets that are taken one time a week and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is appropriate for adults, adolescents and children. Your doctor will determine the recommended duration of the medication with you.

Unfortunately, certain media coverage of private ADHD assessments and treatment can create the impression that these clinics are'shady'. BBC Panorama's documentary, originally named The ADHD Scandal but later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a good example.

There is no doubt that the NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD tests and treatments. This should not, however hinder those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. The fact that a professional charges for their services does not mean they can ignore research-based practices or evade the rules. They must still follow the guidelines established 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 treatments might suggest an assessment at a private clinic for ADHD, such as Priory Hospital or a wellness center. The clinic will give you a complete report of the results. In addition, they'll help you manage your symptoms to help you live a more fulfilling life and improve your overall health.

The first step of the process is a questionnaire. It will typically ask you to rate your behave in various situations. For instance, at work, school or with your friends. You might be asked to bring along an individual from your family to provide assistance. Your therapist will utilize the information you provide to create the treatment plan specifically tailored to your requirements. They will assess your symptoms, their effects in different situations, and also your current issues in life. They will also recommend other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Once you've had an assessment the doctor will prescribe medication if needed. They'll consider your symptoms, age and other factors. They'll also take into consideration whether other disorders like bipolar, anxiety, depression disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.

A thorough examination is required to establish an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes taking a medical history, performing tests of the psychological and physical and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will inquire about any other health issues you have had and will look for other possible causes for your symptoms, such as depression or thyroid issues.

In some instances, a GP or psychiatrist may 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 too broad or that another condition better explains your symptoms. If you aren't satisfied with the decision made you may request an alternative opinion. This can be done by the GP or a psychiatrist.

Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you develop strategies for dealing with the difficulties of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how you can manage your issues at school, at work and at home. They'll also offer you guidance and assistance in creating a an ideal self-image so that you can overcome the effects of your symptoms.