ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account

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

Many people are seeking a private diagnosis of ADHD due to the fact that they cannot wait for an NHS referral. Referrals from your GP can take a few months.

Symptoms

If you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that affect your work and personal life There are options for treatment. This includes psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life will help you choose the best treatment.

Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are the primary symptoms of adult ADHD. While we all exhibit some of these behaviors occasionally, people with ADHD exhibit them more frequently and with greater frequency. These symptoms cause significant problems in their lives and may impact on relationships and work performance as well as general well-being.

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

ADHD symptoms can also cause problems with eating and sleep, which can negatively impact overall health and well-being. If not managed, ADHD is sometimes associated with anxiety and depression.

There is no cure for ADHD however, treatment can improve your symptoms and reduce the impact they have on your daily life. You'll need a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They will ask you to describe how your symptoms affect your daily life and whether they have a negative impact on your home, work and social life. They will then recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your requirements.

You are recommended to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can call Priory yourself and request an assessment. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD, it is possible to sign a shared care agreement for medication with your GP to ensure that you only pay NHS prescription costs (as long as your GP accepts this and you've been stabilized). This is possible at an extra cost.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards finding the best treatment for your symptoms. Treatment can vary depending on your symptoms and impact they have on your life. It could be medication, cognitive behavioral therapy or coaching. The best approach is to seek a thorough evaluation and diagnosis from a specialist in adult ADHD. If your doctor is unwilling to recommend you, request an appointment with an independent healthcare clinic like Priory or any other well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists are experts in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide a precise diagnosis in just only a few weeks.

The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children, as the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are really focused on identifying issues in children. The specialist will also likely conduct a medical examination and use questionnaires. Some doctors might even conduct a brain scan to see if your brain is working as it should.

A thorough evaluation of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as about 80% of adults who have ADHD have a different condition such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, always visit an expert psychiatrist or a therapist that specializes in mental health.

If you're not sure who to ask to get an evaluation or a diagnosis, consult your GP or call your insurance company. They can tell you which professionals have expertise in diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the network. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your region. Ask people who attend an ADHD support group to recommend a professional.

A complete ADHD assessment will typically take 1.5 hours to complete and includes an online test, a clinic interview and various assessments that are validated. The result of the assessment will be a thorough report that your specialist will directly send to your GP, or as a letter.

Medication

If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they are impacting your relationships or daily life, you should seek assistance from an expert. Your first step should be to visit your GP (family doctor) and request that they recommend you for an assessment. The GP can assess 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 a diagnosis.

You should make an appointment with the specialist after having been referred. The doctor will review your symptoms, history and family history. They will also evaluate your health and life style. They may suggest medication to control your symptoms. They will explain the benefits and risks of the medications and help you decide which is best for you.

Stimulants are medications that are used to treat ADHD. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity in the brain. It can be prescribed as tablets that release immediately which are taken 2 or 3 times a day or as modified release tablets that are taken every day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is available for teens, adults and children. Your specialist will discuss with you the duration you should take the medication.

Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment may give an impression that these clinics are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary, initially named The ADHD Scandal and later renamed Private ADHD website Clinics Exposed is a great example.

The NHS is struggling to meet the demands for ADHD assessments treatment, assessment and treatment. However, this should not detract from the fact that people who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Even if a specialist charges for their services does not mean they are able to ignore research-based practices or evade the rules. They must nevertheless adhere to the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is also true for GPs, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists.

Treatment

The right diagnosis for ADHD is a crucial step in managing your symptoms. Your GP can refer you to an exclusive specialist clinic, such as a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The clinic will give you a full report of the results. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead a more fulfilling lifestyle.

The first step of the process is a questionnaire. This will usually ask you to rate how you behave in various situations. For example at work, school or with your friends. You may be asked to bring a family member along with to provide assistance. Your therapist will utilize this information to develop an individualised treatment plan. They will examine your symptoms and how they affect you in different contexts and also your current challenges in life. They will also recommend other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

After a thorough examination, your doctor may prescribe medication. They will consider your symptoms, age and other factors. They'll also consider whether other medical conditions such as bipolar, anxiety, depression disorder might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.

A thorough examination is required for an accurate ADHD diagnosis. This includes taking medical history, performing psychological and physical tests and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will inquire about any other health problems you've experienced and will examine other possible causes for your symptoms, like depression or thyroid issues.

In some instances, the GP or psychiatrist may determine that you don't meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because the symptom list isn't enough, or it might be that a different disorder is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you are not satisfied with the choice you made you may seek an alternative opinion. This could be from an GP or psychiatrist.

In addition to prescribing medication and therapists, your psychologist can also assist you in establishing strategies for dealing with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how to manage your symptoms at school or at work, as well as at home. They will also provide assistance and guidance to develop a confidence in yourself so that you can overcome your symptoms.