ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account

BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is making them accountable. They are alleged to be over-diagnosing the condition.

Many people seek a private diagnosis of ADHD because they believe they cant wait for an NHS referral. It could take months to be an appointment with your GP.

Signs and symptoms

There are a variety of treatment options if you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your personal and professional lives. They include medication or psychotherapy. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life will allow you choose the best treatment.

The primary signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. While we all exhibit certain behaviors at times, those with ADHD are more likely to do so and in greater amounts. These issues can cause major problems in their lives and can impact on relationships, work performance and general well-being.

ADHD can make it hard to concentrate, listen and follow instructions. It can create problems at home and at school and cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also make people be irritable and tense and may cause difficulties with organising and planning tasks. It can cause problems with keeping track of appointments and obligations, as well as forgetting things such as keys, money or even the mobile phone.

ADHD symptoms can also lead to issues with sleep and eating, which can negatively impact overall well-being and health. In certain cases, untreated ADHD can be linked to depression and anxiety.

ADHD is not curable, but treatment can help ease symptoms and impact on your life. You will require a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They will ask you to explain how your symptoms impact your day-to-day activities and whether they have an adverse impact on your work, home and social life. They will then recommend the best treatment plan for your needs.

You can be 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 medication with your GP to ensure that you pay NHS prescription charges (as you and your GP accepts this and you've been stabilized). This can be done at an extra cost.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. Depending on the individual manifestations and the way they affect your life, treatment may vary from medication to cognitive behavior therapy to coaching. The best approach is to seek an extensive evaluation and diagnosis from a specialist for adult ADHD. If your GP refuses to recommend you, request an appointment with a private health clinic like Priory or any other reputable hospital that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists have expertise in identifying ADHD and can provide you with an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks.

The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is more difficult than it is for children, because the symptom guides utilized by psychologists were developed to identify problems in children. Apart from taking a medical history, your doctor will likely conduct a medical interview, and may also employ questionnaires. Some doctors will even perform an examination of the brain to determine if your brain is functioning in the way it should.

A complete evaluation will include a mental health screening since 80% of adults with ADHD also suffer from other conditions such as autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed, you should always visit an expert psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.

If you're unsure of who to call for an evaluation or diagnosis, consult your GP or call your insurance company. They can tell you which doctors have experience diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the network. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD for recommendations of professionals in your region. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group if they have any recommendations for an expert.

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

Medication

If the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your everyday life or relationships you must seek out professional help. Your first step should be to visit your GP (family doctor) and ask them to send you to an assessment. The GP can evaluate your symptoms and review 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 attend an appointment with them. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms as well as your family history and. They will also assess your current health and your lifestyle. They might suggest you take medication to control your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of the medication and help you decide which is the best option for you.

Stimulants are medicines used to treat ADHD. The most frequently used medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity in the brain. It can be prescribed as tablets with immediate release that are taken two or three times a 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 discuss how long you should take the medication with you.

Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment may give an impression that these clinics are "shady". One such example is the BBC Panorama documentary that was originally named The ADHD Scandal, but later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed.

There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD tests and treatments. However, this should not detract from the fact that people who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should have access to high-quality healthcare. Just 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 nevertheless adhere to the guidelines set by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for psychiatrists, GPs, and private ADHD experts.

Treatment

The correct website diagnosis of ADHD is essential to manage your symptoms. Your physician may refer you to an assessment at a private clinic for ADHD, such as Priory Hospital or a wellness centre. The clinic will provide you with an entire report of your results. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live an enjoyable life.

The first step is to fill in an assessment form. It usually asks you to rate your behave in various situations. For example at school, work or with friends. You may be asked to bring someone from your family for support. Your therapist will utilize the information you provide to formulate a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. They will look at your symptoms and how they affect you in various contexts, and also your current challenges in life. They will also suggest alternative treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

After you've completed an assessment and your doctor has prescribed medications if required. They'll consider your symptoms, age and other factors. They'll also determine if other conditions like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD.

A thorough examination is necessary to make an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes taking medical history, performing psychological and physical tests, and analysing your responses to questions. The doctor will discuss any other health issues you've had, and will also check for any other possible causes of your symptoms such as thyroid issues or depression.

In some instances a psychiatrist or doctor might determine that you don't meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. It could be that the symptoms are too broad or another condition is more suitable to explain your symptoms. If you aren't satisfied with the decision you've made you may seek a second opinion. This could be from a psychiatrist or GP.

Your psychologist will prescribe medication and assist you develop strategies for dealing with the difficulties of living with ADHD. They will offer you advice on how to deal with your issues at school as well as at work and at home. They will also offer assistance and guidance to develop a confidence in yourself to help you overcome the symptoms.