ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account
An investigation by BBC Panorama is holding private clinics that diagnose ADHD to account. It is claimed that private clinics over-diagnosing ADHD.
Many people are looking for an independent ADHD diagnosis because they don't want to wait for a referral from the NHS. Referrals from your GP can take several months.
Symptoms
If you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your work and personal life, there are treatments available. They include medication or psychotherapy. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life will allow you choose the best treatment.
Hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention are the primary symptoms of adult ADHD. While we all exhibit certain behaviors at times, people who have ADHD suffer from them more often than others and in greater quantity. These issues can cause major problems in their lives and can affect relationships as well as work performance and overall wellbeing.
ADHD can make it difficult to listen, concentrate and follow directions. It can cause issues at school or at home and could cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety and result in them having difficulty planning and organizing tasks. It can lead to trouble with keeping appointments and responsibilities, and can also cause people to lose things such as keys, money, or the mobile phone.
ADHD symptoms can also cause problems with eating and sleep, which can negatively impact overall well-being and health. Unmanaged ADHD is often related to anxiety and depression.
There is no cure for ADHD however, treatment can improve your symptoms and decrease the impact they have on your life. You'll require a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms. They will ask you to describe how the symptoms affect your day-to-day activities and whether they have an adverse impact on your work, home and social life. The doctor will then suggest the most effective treatment strategy for you.
You are recommended to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can call Priory yourself and request an assessment. 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 an additional fee.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards finding the best treatment for your symptoms. Depending on your individual symptoms and how they impact your life, treatment may vary from medication to cognitive therapy to coaching. The best choice is an extensive evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor refuses to provide you with a referral, request the referral of an independent healthcare clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They are experts in determining ADHD and can give you an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks.
Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children due to the guidelines for identifying symptoms used by psychologists are designed to identify problems in kids. Apart from taking a medical history, your specialist is likely to conduct a clinical interview, and may also employ questionnaires. Some doctors may even do 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 another disorder such as autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). In order to be properly assessed, you should always visit an expert psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.
If you're unsure of who to ask for an evaluation or diagnosis, talk to your GP or call your insurance company. They will be able to tell you which doctors have expertise in diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the network. Alternately, you could contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to request recommendations for professionals in your region. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group if they can here recommend an expert.
A thorough ADHD assessment will typically take 1.5 hours to perform and includes an online test, a clinical interview, and the completion of various validated assessments. The outcome of the assessment is a thorough report that your specialist will send to your GP or send to third parties.
Medication
If you have symptoms of ADHD and they are affecting your daily life or relationships you should seek assistance from a professional. You should first visit your GP and ask for a referral to an assessment. The GP can assess your symptoms and read documents like school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they believe that you meet the criteria of a diagnosis.
If you are directed to a specialist, you should make an appointment with them. The specialist will go through your symptoms, medical history and family history. They will also review your health and your lifestyle. They may suggest medication to control your symptoms. They will go over the potential risks and benefits of the medication and determine which option is best for you.
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat ADHD. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It works by increasing activity in the brain. It can be prescribed as immediate-release tablets that are taken two or three times per day, or as modified release tablets that are taken every day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adolescents, adults and children. Your doctor will explain to you how long you'll need to take the medication.
Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could create the impression that these clinics' are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary, originally called The ADHD Scandal and later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a great illustration.
There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to cope with demand for ADHD assessments and treatment. However, this shouldn't be a reason to deny the fact that people who would like to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Even if a specialist is charged for their services does not mean that they can disregard evidence-based practices or deviate from the rules. They must adhere to the guidelines outlined by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is also true for psychiatrists, GPs and private ADHD specialists.
Treatment
The right diagnosis of ADHD is crucial for managing your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend you to an exclusive speciality clinic like a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The clinic will provide you with a full report of your results. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead an enjoyable life.
The first step is to fill in the questionnaire. This will usually ask you to rate your behave in different situations. For example at school, work or with your friends. You might be asked to bring a family member with you for assistance. Your therapist will use the information you provide to create an individual treatment plan specifically tailored to your requirements. They will examine your symptoms, their impact on different situations, and also your current issues in life. They will also suggest other treatments that may be beneficial, for instance, cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT).
After you've completed 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 medical conditions such as bipolar, anxiety, depression disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.
A thorough exam is essential to establish an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes taking a medical history, performing psychological and physical tests, and analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will discuss any other health issues that you've encountered and will also search for other possible causes of your symptoms such as thyroid problems or depression.
In some cases, the GP or psychiatrist will decide that you don't meet the criteria 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 are not satisfied with the choice you made, you can ask for an alternative opinion. This could be from an GP or psychiatrist.
In addition to prescribing medications and therapists, your psychologist can also assist you in establishing strategies to deal with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how you can manage your issues at school, at work and at home. They will also offer support and guidance in developing confidence in yourself to help you overcome your symptoms.