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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. They are alleged to be over-diagnosing the condition. Many people want to get a private diagnosis for ADHD because they feel they cant wait for an NHS referral. It can take months to be diagnosed by your GP. Signs and symptoms If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms that affect your professional and personal life There are treatment options available. These include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life will allow you choose the best treatment. Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are the primary symptoms and signs of adult ADHD. Although we all demonstrate certain of these behaviors at times, those with ADHD suffer from them more often than other people and to a greater extent. These symptoms cause significant problems in their lives and may affect relationships and work performance as well as general well-being. ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen and follow instructions. It can cause problems at home and at school, and make people feel frustrated and overwhelmed. It can also make people feel anxious and fidgety, and may cause difficulties with planning and organising tasks. It can create problems with appointments and responsibilities. It can also cause people to forget important things like keys, money or mobile phones. The symptoms of ADHD can also cause issues with sleeping and eating which can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. In some instances, untreated ADHD may be associated with depression and anxiety. There is no cure for ADHD, but treatment can improve your symptoms and reduce the impact they have on your daily life. You'll require a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider to discuss your issues. You will be asked to explain the symptoms and how they impact your daily life, including your family, work, and social life. They will then recommend the best treatment plan for your needs. You are referred to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can contact Priory yourself and request an assessment. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to get an agreement on shared care for medication with your GP to ensure that you only pay NHS prescription costs (as that your GP agrees and you have been stabilised). This is possible at an additional 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 daily life. It could be medication, cognitive behavioral therapy or coaching. The best approach is to get an extensive evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your GP is unwilling to refer you, you can ask for a referral to a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital or wellbeing centre that specialises in adult ADHD evaluations. These specialists are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide a clear diagnosis to you within the space of a few weeks. Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children, as the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are focused on identifying issues in children. Apart from taking a medical history, your specialist will likely conduct a medical interview and might also use questionnaires. Some doctors might even perform a brain scan to see if your brain is working the way it should. A thorough evaluation of ADHD will also include a mental health check as about 80 percent of adults who suffer from ADHD have a different condition such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, it is important to visit a psychiatrist specialist in the field of mental health. If you are unsure who to contact for an evaluation or diagnosis, ask your GP or call your insurance company. They can inform you which specialists have experience diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the network. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find recommendations for professionals in your region. If there's an ADHD support group in your local area, ask for recommendations from people who are members of the group. A comprehensive ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours and includes an online test as well as an interview with a clinician and the completion of various validated assessments. The outcome of the test will be a thorough report which your specialist can send directly to your GP, or as a letter. Medication If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek out help from a professional. The first step is to visit your GP (family doctor) and ask them to refer you for an assessment. The GP will examine your symptoms and look over documents like school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they feel that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Once you are recommended to a specialist, you should attend an appointment with them. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms as well as your family history and. They will also evaluate your current health and lifestyle. They may suggest medications to manage your symptoms. They will explain the advantages and risks of these medications and determine which one is the best option for you. Stimulants are medications that are used to treat ADHD. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It improves brain activity and is prescribed as tablets that are immediate-release and which are taken twice or three times each day, or modified release tablets taken once a week and released throughout the entire day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adolescents, adults and children. Your doctor will discuss how long you should take the medication with you. Some 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 but later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Exposed is a great example. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments treatment, assessment and treatment. However, this should not be a hindrance to those who wish to be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. Just because a professional is charged for their services does not mean they can disregard research-based practices or evade the rules. They must adhere to the guidelines outlined by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is also true for psychiatrists, GPs, and private ADHD experts. private adhd assessment uk Finding the correct diagnosis for ADHD is an essential step in managing your symptoms. Your GP may recommend an assessment at a private clinic, such as Priory Hospital or a wellness center. The clinic will provide you with a full report of the results. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live an enjoyable life. The first step is to fill in a questionnaire. It will typically ask you to rate how you behave in various situations. For instance, at work, school or with your friends. You might be asked to bring an individual from your family to provide support. Your Therapist will use this information to create an individual treatment plan. They will assess your symptoms, their impact on different situations, and also your current issues in life. They will also recommend other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). After you've completed an assessment and your doctor has prescribed medication if needed. They will consider your symptoms, your age and other factors. They'll also consider whether other conditions like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. For an accurate ADHD diagnosis, a thorough examination is needed. This involves taking a medical history, taking physical and psychological tests, as well as analysing your responses to the questions. The doctor will discuss any other health issues that you've encountered and will also search for other possible causes of your symptoms such as thyroid issues or depression. In certain instances, a GP or psychiatrist may decide that you don't meet the criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD. This could be due to the fact that the symptom list isn't enough, or it might be that another condition better explains your symptoms. If you are not satisfied with the choice you made, you can ask for an alternative opinion. This can be done by a psychiatrist or GP. Your psychologist will prescribe medication and assist you develop strategies for dealing with the challenges of living with ADHD. They will offer you advice on how to deal with your symptoms at school as well as at work and at home. They will also offer support and guidance in developing a positive self-image to help you overcome your symptoms.