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 looking for a private ADHD diagnosis because they don't want to wait for a referral from NHS. Referrals from your GP can take a few months.

Symptoms

If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact on your professional and personal life, there are treatment options available. These can include psychotherapy and/or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they affect your life is vital and will help to guide the treatment you receive.

Inattention, hyperactivity, and inattention are the most prominent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD. While we all exhibit certain behaviors at times, those with ADHD suffer from them more often than other people and more frequently. These issues can cause major problems in their lives, and they can impact relationships, work performance and general wellbeing.

ADHD can make it hard to concentrate, listen and follow directions. It can cause problems at school and home, and make people feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also make people feel anxious and fidgety, and may cause difficulties with organising and planning tasks. It can lead to issues with appointments and responsibilities. It can also lead to forgetting important things like money, keys, or mobile phones.

ADHD symptoms can also lead to problems with eating and sleep which can adversely impact overall well-being and health. Unmanaged ADHD can be related to anxiety and depression.

There is no cure for ADHD however, treatment can improve your symptoms and decrease the impact they can have on your life. You will need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare professional. You will be asked to describe the symptoms and how they affect your daily life, including your family, work and social life. They will then recommend a treatment plan based on your needs.

You could be directed by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory and request an assessment yourself. If you've been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to create a shared care agreement with your GP to pay only NHS prescription charges. This can be arranged at an additional cost.

Diagnosis

Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a crucial first step in finding the best treatment for your issues. Treatment can vary depending on your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. It could be medication, cognitive therapy or coaching. The best choice is an in-depth evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unable to recommend you, you can request a referral to an private healthcare clinic like Priory or another well-known hospital or wellbeing centre that specialises in adult ADHD evaluations. These specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and can give you a clear diagnosis within a couple of weeks.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children because the guidelines for identifying symptoms used by psychologists are focused on identifying issues in kids. The specialist will also likely conduct a physical examination and will use questionnaires. Some doctors will even conduct a brain scan in order to determine if your brain is functioning in the way it should.

A thorough evaluation of ADHD will also include a mental health check as around 80% of adults who have ADHD also have another condition like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be able to properly assess the condition, it is important to see a psychiatrist or specialist in the field of mental health.

If you are unsure who to contact for an evaluation or diagnosis, talk to your GP or call your insurance company. They can 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 get recommendations for professionals in your region. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group if they have any recommendations for a professional.

A comprehensive ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test as well as an interview with a psychologist along with the completion of a variety of valid assessments. The result of the test is a thorough report that your doctor can send to your GP or write to third parties.

Medication

If your symptoms of ADHD are impacting your daily life or relationships, you should seek help from a professional. The first step is to visit your GP (family doctor) and request that they recommend you for an assessment. The GP will evaluate your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they believe that you meet the criteria of a diagnosis.

You should make an appointment to see the specialist once you have been recommended. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, family history and history. They will also review the current health status and lifestyle. They may suggest that you consider medication to help control your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of the medication and determine which one is best for you.

Stimulants are medications that are used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It works by increasing 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 can be used in adults, teenagers and children. Your doctor will determine 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". BBC Panorama's documentary named The ADHD Scandal and later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a good example.

There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to cope with demands for ADHD assessments and treatment. However, this shouldn't hinder the fact that those who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should have access to high-quality healthcare. Just because a professional is charged for their services doesn't mean they are able to ignore research-based practices or evade the rules. They must nevertheless adhere to the guidelines established by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. That is true of GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists as well.

Treatment

A proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial for managing your symptoms. Your physician might recommend an assessment at a private clinic, such as Priory Hospital website or a wellness centre. The clinic will give you the complete report of your findings. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead a more enjoyable lifestyle.

The first step is to fill in an assessment form. In general, it will require you to rate your behavior in various situations, like at school, home, work and with friends. You may be asked to bring a family member along with you to offer support. Your Therapist will use this information to create an individual treatment plan. They will assess your symptoms and how they affect you in various contexts, and the current issues you face. They may also suggest other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

After you've completed an assessment the doctor will prescribe medication if needed. They'll consider your symptoms, age and other factors. They'll also look at whether other medical conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.

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

In certain instances, a GP or psychiatrist may decide that you do not meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. This might be because the list of symptoms is a bit too broad or that another condition better explains your symptoms. If you're not pleased with the decision you can seek an opinion from a different doctor or psychiatrist.

Your psychologist will prescribe medication and assist you develop strategies to cope with the difficulties of living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how you can manage your symptoms at home, at school and at work. They will also provide assistance and guidance in developing a an ideal self-image so that you can conquer the effects of your symptoms.