ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account

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

Many people are looking for a private ADHD diagnosis because they don't want to wait for a referral from the NHS. It can take months to get an appointment with your GP.

Signs and symptoms

There are many treatment options when you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your personal and professional lives. This includes psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life will allow you select the appropriate treatment.

The main symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. While we all exhibit some of these behaviours at times, people with ADHD are more likely to experience them than other people and in greater quantity. These issues can cause major problems in their lives and can impact on relationships and work performance as well as general well-being.

ADHD can make it hard to listen, concentrate and follow instructions. It can cause problems at home and at school, and make people feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety and cause them to have difficulty organizing and planning tasks. It can lead to trouble with keeping track of appointments and obligations, and also causing people to forget things like money, keys or the mobile phone.

The signs of ADHD can also lead to issues with sleeping and eating, which can have a negative impact on overall health and wellbeing. If not managed, ADHD is often associated with anxiety and depression.

There is no cure for ADHD, but treatment can help improve your symptoms and reduce the impact they have on your daily life. You'll need a psychiatrist or another qualified healthcare professional to discuss your issues. You will be asked to explain the symptoms and how they impact your daily routine, including your family, work and social life. They will then recommend the best treatment plan for your requirements.

You are able to be directed by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory to arrange for an assessment yourself. If you've been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to set up an agreement for shared care with your GP to pay only NHS prescription costs. This can be done at an additional fee.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in finding the best treatment for your symptoms. Based on the specific symptoms you experience and the way they affect your daily life, treatment options can vary 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 GP is unwilling to refer you to a specialist, you may request a referral to a private health clinic such as Priory or another well-known health or wellness centre that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists have expertise in determining ADHD and can give you an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks.

Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children due to the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are designed to identify problems in children. The doctor will likely conduct a physical exam and use questionnaires. Some doctors may even conduct a brain scan in order to determine if your brain is functioning in the way it should.

A thorough assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as about 80 percent of people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed, you should always consult a specialist psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.

If you're not sure who to call for an evaluation or diagnosis, talk to your GP or contact your insurance company. They will be able to tell you which doctors are experienced in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are part of the network. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your region. Also, if there's an ADHD support group in your local area, ask for recommendations from people who are part of the group.

A thorough ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test and an interview with a psychologist and the completion of various validated assessments. The result adhd private assessments of the assessment will be a comprehensive report which your specialist can directly send to your GP or write a letter.

Medication

If you have symptoms of ADHD and they are impacting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek out help from an expert. The first step is to visit your GP (family doctor) and ask them to send you to an assessment. The GP will evaluate your symptoms and examine documents like school reports. They typically only refer you to a specialist when they believe that you meet the criteria for diagnosis.

You should schedule an appointment with the specialist once you have been sent to the specialist. The doctor will discuss your symptoms, history and family history. They will also assess the current health status and your lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medications to manage your symptoms. They will talk about the risks and benefits of the medication and decide which option is best for you.

Stimulants are medicines that are used to treat ADHD. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It is a stimulant in the brain and can be prescribed as tablets with immediate release, taken two or three times a 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 adolescents, adults, and children. Your specialist will discuss the duration of the medication with you.

Some media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment could make it appear as if these clinics are "shady". BBC Panorama's documentary, initially called The ADHD Scandal but later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is a good illustration.

There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to cope with demands for ADHD tests and treatments. But, this should not detract from the fact that people who would like to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. The fact that a professional is charged for their services does not mean they can ignore research-based practices or evade the rules. They must nevertheless follow the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is also true for GPs, psychiatrists, and private ADHD experts.

Treatment

A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to manage your symptoms. Your GP might suggest an individual clinic for evaluation for ADHD, such as Priory Hospital or a wellbeing centre. The clinic will give you complete information about the results. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead a more enjoyable lifestyle.

The first step in the process is a questionnaire. It usually asks you to rate your behave in different situations. For instance, at work, school or with your friends. You might be asked to bring along an individual from your family to provide support. Your counselor will make use of this information to formulate an individualised treatment plan. They will look at your symptoms, how they affect you in different situations and also your current challenges in life. They will also recommend any other treatments that may be beneficial, for instance, cognitive therapy for behavioural issues (CBT).

After a thorough evaluation the doctor can prescribe medication. They'll consider your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also consider whether other conditions like bipolar, anxiety, depression disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.

To determine a correct ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is needed. This involves taking a medical history, performing physical and psychological tests, as well as analysing your answers to questions. The doctor will discuss any other health issues you've had and will also look for other possible causes of your symptoms, such as a thyroid problem or depression.

In some instances a psychiatrist or a doctor might determine that you don't meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because the list of symptoms is too broad, or it might be that a different disorder is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you are not satisfied with the decision made you may seek a second opinion. This could be from an GP or psychiatrist.

In addition to prescribing medications and therapists, your psychologist can also help you develop strategies for dealing with the challenges of living with ADHD. They will give you advice on how to cope with your symptoms at home, at school and at work. They will also provide assistance and advice on developing a a positive self-image so that you can conquer your symptoms.