ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is holding them to account. It is claimed that private clinics over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people want to get a private diagnosis for ADHD because they believe they cannot wait for an NHS referral. Referrals from your GP may take a long time.
Symptoms
There are a variety of treatment options for those suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your personal and professional lives. These can include psychotherapy and/or medication. Taking the time to understand your symptoms and how they impact on your life is important and can help guide the treatment you receive.
Inattention, hyperactivity, and inattention are the most prominent symptoms of adult ADHD. While we all exhibit certain behaviors in a few instances, those with ADHD are more likely to do so and to a greater degree. These symptoms can cause serious problems in their life and have a negative impact on their relationships, work performance and overall health.
ADHD can make it hard to concentrate, listen and follow instructions. It can cause issues at school or at home and could cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also make people be irritable and tense and cause problems with organising and planning tasks. It can lead to trouble with keeping appointments and responsibilities, as well as forgetting things such as keys, money, or the mobile phone.
ADHD symptoms can also lead to problems with eating and sleep and can have a negative impact on overall well-being and health. In some instances, untreated ADHD can be linked to depression and anxiety.
There is no cure for ADHD however, treatment can help you improve your symptoms and lessen the impact they can have on your life. You'll need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or any other qualified healthcare professional. You will be asked to write down the symptoms and how they affect your daily life, which includes your family, work and social life. The doctor will then suggest the most effective treatment plan for you.
You are referred 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 sign an agreement to share care for medication with your GP so that you only pay NHS prescription costs (as long that your GP accepts this and you have been stabilised). This can be arranged at a cost.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed as having ADHD is an important first step towards determining the best treatment for your issues. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. It could be medication, cognitive therapy or coaching. The best approach is to get a thorough evaluation and diagnoses by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor refuses to provide you with a referral, request a referral from a private healthcare clinic like Priory or any other reputable hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They are experts in diagnosing ADHD, and can give a clear diagnosis to you within only a few weeks.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children because the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are actually focused on identifying issues in children. The doctor will likely conduct a clinical examination and use questionnaires. Some doctors might even conduct a brain scan to determine if your brain is working in the way it should.
A thorough assessment will include a mental screening, as 80% of adults with ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic disorders (PTSD). In order to be properly assessed, always see a psychiatrist who is an expert or a therapist that specializes in mental health.
If you're unsure of who to contact for an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance provider to find out who is in the network and have the experience to determine adult ADHD. Alternately, you could contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find recommendations for professionals in your area. Finally, if there's an ADHD support group in your area, ask for recommendations from those who are members of the group.
A thorough ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours to perform and includes an online test, a clinic interview and several validated assessments. The results of the test will be a comprehensive report that your doctor can send directly to your GP or write a letter.
Medication
If you have symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek help from an expert. First, you should visit your GP and ask for an appointment for an assessment. The GP will assess your symptoms and examine documents like school reports. They will typically refer you to a specialist when they believe that 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 including family history, and your medical history. They will also assess the current health status and lifestyle. They may suggest medication to treat your symptoms. They will explain the benefits and risks of these medications and help you decide which is the best option for you.
Treatments for ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity in the brain and can be prescribed as tablets that release immediately which are taken 2 or 3 times per day, or as modified release tablets, which are taken once per day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is appropriate for adolescents, adults and children. Your doctor will inform you the duration you'll need to take the medication.
Unfortunately, media here coverage of private ADHD assessments and treatments can create the impression that these clinics are'shady'. BBC Panorama's documentary, initially called The ADHD Scandal but later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is a good illustration.
The NHS is struggling to meet the demands for ADHD assessments, treatment and assessment. However, this shouldn't hinder those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Simply because a healthcare professional charges for their services doesn't mean that they are able to evade rules or disregard evidence-based practice. They must adhere to the guidelines established by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for psychiatrists, GPs, and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
Finding the correct diagnosis for ADHD is a crucial step in addressing your symptoms. Your GP can recommend an individual specialist clinic such as an Priory hospital or wellness center for an assessment. The clinic will give you a full report of the results. Additionally, they will assist you in managing your symptoms so that you can live a more satisfying life and improve your overall wellbeing.
The first step is to fill out the questionnaire. Typically, this will ask you to rate your behaviours in different situations, for example, at school, home or at work and with your friends. You might be asked to bring a family member with you to offer assistance. Your therapist will use the details you provide to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. They will assess your symptoms, their impact in different situations, and also your current challenges in life. They will also suggest alternative treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Once you've had an assessment and your doctor has prescribed medication if needed. They'll consider your symptoms, your age, and other factors. They'll also take into consideration whether other medical conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
A thorough exam is essential to establish an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes taking medical history, conducting physical and psychological tests and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will discuss any other health issues that you've encountered and will also look for any other possible causes of your symptoms, such as a thyroid problem or depression.
In some instances a psychiatrist or a doctor might decide that you do not meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. This might be because the symptom list is a bit too broad, or it might be that a different disorder is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you aren't satisfied with the decision you've made you may seek an additional opinion. This can be from a psychiatrist or GP.
In addition to prescribing medication and therapists, your psychologist can also assist you in developing strategies for coping with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how you can manage your issues at school or at work, as well as at home. They will also provide guidance and assistance in creating a a healthy self-image, to help you overcome the effects of your symptoms.