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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 wait for a referral from the NHS. It can take months to get referred by your GP. Signs and symptoms If you are struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your personal and professional life There are treatments available. This includes psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life will allow you select the appropriate treatment. Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are the primary symptoms and signs of adult ADHD. While we all exhibit certain of these behaviors at times, people who have ADHD are more likely to experience them than others and to a greater extent. These issues can cause major problems in their life and can have a negative impact on their relationships, their work performance, and general well-being. ADHD can make it difficult to focus and listen, as well as follow instructions. It can cause issues at school and home, and make people feel frustrated and overwhelmed. It can also cause people to feel restless and fidgety, and cause them to have difficulty planning and organizing their tasks. It can lead to trouble with managing appointments and responsibilities and also causing people to forget things like money, keys or the mobile phone. ADHD symptoms can also cause problems with eating and sleep and can have a negative impact on overall well-being and health. If not managed, ADHD is often related to anxiety and depression. There is no cure for ADHD however treatment can improve your symptoms and reduce the impact they have on your life. You should discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare professional. You will be asked to write down the symptoms and how they affect your daily life, including your family, work, and social life. They will then recommend the best treatment plan for your needs. You could be directed by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or contact Priory to arrange for an evaluation yourself. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to get an agreement on shared care for your medication with your GP to ensure that you only pay NHS prescription costs (as you and your GP accepts this and you have been stabilised). This is possible at an additional fee. Diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. Based on the specific symptoms you experience and the way they affect your life, treatment may differ from medication to cognitive behavior therapy to coaching. The best approach is to get an in-depth evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unable to recommend you, you can request a referral from an private healthcare clinic like Priory or another well-known hospital or wellbeing centre that specialises in adult ADHD evaluations. These specialists are experts in diagnosing ADHD, and can provide a precise diagnosis to you within the space of a few weeks. The diagnosis of ADHD for adults can be more difficult than it is for children because the symptom guides used by psychologists were created to detect problems in children. The doctor will likely conduct a medical examination and use questionnaires. Some doctors might even conduct a brain scan to see whether your brain is functioning in the way it should. A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening since around 80% of adults who have ADHD also suffer from another disorder such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed, always consult a specialist psychiatrist or a therapist who is specialized in mental health. If you're not sure who to contact for an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for a recommendation or calling your insurance company to find out which specialists are part of the network and have the expertise to identify adult ADHD. Alternately, you could contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your region. If there's an ADHD support group in your community you can ask for recommendations from people who are members of the group. A thorough ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test as well as an interview with a clinician and the completion of several tests that are validated. The outcome of the test is a thorough report that your doctor can send to your GP or send to third parties. Medication If your symptoms of ADHD are impacting your everyday life or relationships you must seek professional help. First, you should visit your GP and ask for an appointment to conduct an assessment. The GP will examine your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they feel that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. You should make an appointment to see the specialist once you have been referred. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, family history and history. They will also evaluate the current health status and lifestyle. They may suggest medication to help control your symptoms. They will talk about the risks and benefits of the medication and help you decide which option is best for you. Stimulants are drugs used to treat ADHD. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It enhances brain activity and can be prescribed in immediate-release tablets taken two or three time each day or in modified release tablets taken once every week and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is appropriate for adults, adolescents and children. private adhd assessments will determine how long you should take the medication with you. Some media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could give an impression that these clinics' are “shady”. BBC Panorama's documentary, initially titled The ADHD Scandal and later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a great example. There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demands for ADHD assessments and treatment. However, this shouldn't be a reason to deny the fact that those who wish to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. Just because the healthcare provider is charging for their services doesn't mean they are free to ignore the rules or disregard evidence-based practices. They must adhere to the guidelines set by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is the case for GPs, psychiatrists, and private ADHD experts. Treatment The correct diagnosis of ADHD is crucial for managing your symptoms. Your GP may recommend you to an individual specialist clinic such as an Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. The clinic will provide you with a complete report of your results. Additionally, they will assist you in managing your symptoms so that you can live a more fulfilling life and improve your overall health. The first step is to fill in an assessment form. In general, it will require you to rate your behavior in different 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 to provide assistance. Your therapist will use the details you provide to develop a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. They will examine your symptoms and how they impact you in different contexts and also your current challenges in life. They will also recommend other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). After you've been assessed, 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 conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD. A thorough examination is necessary for an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and 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 problems you've experienced and will examine other possible causes for your symptoms, including depression or thyroid issues. In certain instances the psychiatrist or GP may decide that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because the symptoms are too broad or that another condition is more suitable to explain your symptoms. If you're not pleased with the outcome you may request an opinion from a different psychiatrist or GP. Your psychologist will prescribe medication and help you develop strategies for dealing with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how to cope with your symptoms at school, at home, and at work. They will also offer assistance and advice on developing a confidence in yourself to help you overcome your symptoms.