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ADHD Diagnosis – Holding Private Clinics to Account BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is making them accountable. Its claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition. Many people are seeking a private ADHD diagnosis because they don't want to wait for a referral from the NHS. Referrals from your GP can take several months. Signs and symptoms If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact on your professional and personal life There are treatment options available. These include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact on your life is crucial and will help to guide the treatment you receive. The most prominent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain of these behaviors occasionally, people who suffer from ADHD do so more often and with greater frequency. These symptoms can cause serious problems in their life and can have a negative impact on their relationships, their work performance, and general well-being. ADHD can cause problems with concentration and listen, as well as follow instructions. It can cause issues at school and at home and may cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety and cause them to have difficulty planning and organizing their tasks. It can cause issues with keeping appointments and responsibilities, and can also cause people to lose things such as keys, money or even the mobile phone. ADHD symptoms can also lead to issues with sleep and eating which can adversely impact overall health and well-being. Untreated ADHD can be associated with anxiety and depression. ADHD is not curable, however treatment can help ease symptoms and their impact on your life. You should discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or any other qualified healthcare professional. They will ask you to explain how your symptoms impact your daily life and whether they have an adverse impact on your home, work and social life. The doctor will then suggest the best treatment plan for you. You could be recommended by your GP to an adult ADHD specialist or you can contact Priory to arrange for an evaluation yourself. If you've been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to establish an agreement for shared care with your GP to pay only NHS prescription costs. This can be arranged for an additional cost. Diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options can differ based on the severity of your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. It could be medication, cognitive behavior therapy or coaching. The best choice is to seek a thorough evaluation and diagnosis from a specialist for adult ADHD. If your doctor is unwilling to recommend you, request an appointment with a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or any other reputable hospital that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and can give you an accurate diagnosis within a couple of weeks. The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be more difficult than it is for children because the symptom guides used by psychologists were developed to identify problems in children. The doctor will likely conduct a medical exam and use questionnaires. Some doctors will even perform an examination of the brain to determine if your brain functions in the way it should. A thorough assessment will include a mental health screening as 80% of adults with ADHD also suffer from other conditions like autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed it is essential to visit a psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health. If you're unsure of whom to call for an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for a recommendation or calling your insurance provider to find out which specialists are part of the network and have the expertise to determine adult ADHD. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to get recommendations for professionals in your area. If there's an ADHD support group in your community Ask for recommendations from those who are members of the group. A comprehensive ADHD assessment will typically take 1.5 hours to complete. It includes an online test, a clinical interview and the completion of various assessments that are validated. The outcome of the assessment is a comprehensive report that your specialist can send to your GP or a letter to third parties. Medication If your symptoms of ADHD are impacting your daily life or relationships you must seek help from a professional. First, visit your GP and request an appointment for an assessment. The GP will be able to assess your symptoms and read documents such as school reports. They will usually only refer you to a specialist if they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. If you're referred to a specialist you should attend an appointment with them. The specialist will go through your symptoms, medical history and family history. They will also evaluate your health and life style. They may suggest medications to manage your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of the medication and help you decide which is best for you. Stimulants are drugs used to treat ADHD. The most frequently used medication is methylphenidate. It increases the activity in the brain and can be prescribed as tablets with immediate release which are taken 2 or 3 times per day, or as modified release tablets that are taken every day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is available for adults, teenagers and children. Your specialist will discuss with you the length of time you'll need to take the medication. Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment may make it appear as if these clinics are “shady”. BBC Panorama's documentary, originally titled The ADHD Scandal but later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, is a great illustration. There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demands for ADHD assessments and treatment. However, this shouldn't be a hindrance to those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. The fact that a professional charges for their services does not mean that they are able to ignore evidence-based practices or bend the rules. They must still follow the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. That is true of GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists as well. Treatment Getting the right diagnosis for ADHD is an essential step in addressing your symptoms. Your GP might refer you to a private clinic for assessment for ADHD, such as Priory Hospital or a wellbeing center. The clinic will give you a complete report of your findings. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead a more fulfilling lifestyle. The first step in the process is to complete a questionnaire. It usually asks you to rate your behave in different situations. For instance at school, work or with friends. You might be asked to bring along someone from your family 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, how they affect you in different contexts and your current life difficulties. They will also suggest alternative treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). After a thorough examination the doctor can prescribe medication. They will consider your symptoms, age, and other factors. They'll also consider whether other medical conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A thorough examination is necessary to establish an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes taking medical history, performing tests of the psychological and physical and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will inquire about any other health problems you have had and will look for other possible causes for your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or depression. In some instances, a GP or psychiatrist might determine that you don't meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. This might be because the symptom list is a bit too broad, or it might be that a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms. If private adhd assessment 're not happy with the decision you can seek an opinion from a different doctor or psychiatrist. In addition to prescribing medication, your psychologist will also help you develop strategies for coping with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how to deal with your issues at school, at work and at home. They will also provide support and guidance in developing confidence in yourself so that you can overcome your symptoms.