ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account

BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is calling them to account. It is claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.

adhd private assessment want to get a private diagnosis for ADHD due to the fact that they are unable to wait for an NHS referral. It could take months to get an appointment with your GP.

Signs and symptoms

If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your personal and professional life, there are options for treatment. These can include psychotherapy and/or medication. Understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life will allow you to choose the right treatment.

Inattention, hyperactivity, and inattention are the most prominent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD. While everyone exhibits certain behaviors at times, those with ADHD do so more often and in greater amounts. These issues can cause major issues in their lives and have a negative effect on their relationships, work performance and general well-being.


ADHD can cause problems with concentration, listen and follow instructions. It can lead to problems in school as well as at home, and can cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety, and may cause difficulties with organising and planning tasks. It can cause difficulties with appointments and obligations. It could also lead to the loss of important items like keys, money, or mobile phones.

Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to issues with sleeping and eating and can have a negative effect on overall health and wellbeing. In some cases, unmanaged ADHD can be linked to anxiety and depression.

There is no cure for ADHD however treatment can help you improve your symptoms and reduce the impact they can have on your life. You'll require a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms. They will ask you to explain how the symptoms affect your day-to-day life and whether they have an adverse impact on your home, work and social life. They will then suggest a treatment plan based on your requirements.

You are able to be recommended by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or contact Priory and arrange an evaluation yourself. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to sign an agreement on shared care for your medication with your GP to ensure that you pay NHS prescription charges (as you and your GP agrees and you have been stabilised). This can be arranged for an additional fee.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options can differ based on your symptoms and impact they have on your daily life. It could be medication, cognitive behavior therapy or coaching. The best option is to seek an accurate diagnosis and evaluation from a specialist in adult ADHD. If your GP refuses to recommend you, request a referral from a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or any other well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They are experts in identifying ADHD and will provide you with a clear diagnosis within a few weeks.

The diagnosis of ADHD in adults is more difficult than it is for children due to the symptom guides used by psychologists were developed to detect problems in children. Apart from taking a medical history, the specialist will likely conduct a medical interview, and may also employ questionnaires. Some doctors may even conduct a brain scan in order to determine if your brain functions as it should.

A complete evaluation includes a mental screening, as the majority of people with ADHD also suffer from another disorder such as autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). To be able to properly assess the condition it is crucial to visit a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained in mental health.

If you're unsure of whom to call to get an evaluation and diagnosis, consider asking your GP for recommendations or calling your insurance company to find out which specialists are part of the network and have the experience to determine adult ADHD. Alternatively, you can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to request recommendations for professionals in your area. Finally, if there's an ADHD support group in your area you can ask for recommendations from those who are part of the group.

A full ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test and an interview with a clinician and the completion of several tests that are validated. The outcome of the test will be a comprehensive report that your specialist will direct to your GP or in an email.

Medication

If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they are impacting your relationships or daily life, you should seek out help 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 will be able to assess your symptoms and review documents like school reports. They will typically refer you to a specialist if they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.

If you are referred to a specialist you must make an appointment with them. The doctor will review your symptoms, medical history and family history. They will also assess the current state of your health and lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medication to control your symptoms. They will explain the benefits and risks of the medications and help you decide which is best for you.

Medications to treat ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most frequently used medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity in the brain and can be prescribed as tablets with immediate release, taken two or three times per day, or as modified release tablets, that are taken every day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is a drug that can be used by teens, adults and children. Your doctor will explain to you how long you should be taking the medication.

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

The NHS is struggling to meet the demands for ADHD assessments as well as treatment and assessment. However, this should not detract from the fact that those who would like to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Just because a healthcare professional is charging for their services, it does not mean they are free to ignore the rules or disregard evidence-based practices. They must still follow the guidelines set by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for doctors, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists too.

Treatment

Finding the correct diagnosis for ADHD is a crucial step in managing your symptoms. Your doctor may suggest a private clinic for assessment like Priory Hospital or a wellbeing center. The clinic will provide you with a full report of your results. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live a more enjoyable lifestyle.

The first step is to fill in the questionnaire. Typically, this will require you to rate your behavior in various situations, such as at home, school or at work, as well as with your friends. You might also be asked to bring a family member with you for assistance. Your therapist will use the details you provide to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. They will examine your symptoms, their impact in different contexts, and your current issues in life. They will also recommend other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

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

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

In certain instances, a GP or psychiatrist might decide that you don't meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. This might be because the list of symptoms is too broad or that a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you are not satisfied with the decision made you may seek an additional opinion. This can be done by the GP or a psychiatrist.

In addition to prescribing medication as well, your psychologist will assist you in developing strategies to deal with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how to deal with your issues at school, at work and at home. They will also give you assistance and advice on developing a an optimistic self-image to help you overcome your symptoms.