ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to AccountBBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is calling them to account. Its claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.Many people are looking for an independent ADHD diagnosis because they don't want to wait for a referral from NHS. Referrals from your GP can take several months.SymptomsIf you're struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your personal and professional life, there are treatments available. These can include psychotherapy and/or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact your life can help you choose the best treatment.The most prominent signs and symptoms of adult ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. While we all exhibit certain of these behaviors at times, people with ADHD suffer from them more often than others and to a greater extent. These symptoms cause significant problems in their lives, and they can impact on relationships, work performance and general wellbeing.ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen, and follow instructions. It can cause issues at home and in school and cause people to feel frustrated and overwhelmed. It can also cause people to feel anxious and fidgety, and can cause difficulty with planning and organising tasks. It can lead to trouble with keeping appointments and responsibilities, as well as forgetting things such as keys, money, or the mobile phone.ADHD symptoms can cause issues with sleep and eating which can adversely impact overall health and well-being. Untreated ADHD can be linked to depression and anxiety.There is no cure for ADHD however treatment can improve your symptoms and reduce the impact they have on your life. You will need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or any other qualified healthcare provider. You will be asked to explain the symptoms and how they affect your daily life, including your family, work, and social life. They will then recommend a treatment plan based on your requirements.You are recommended 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 to share care for your medication with your GP to ensure that you only pay NHS prescription costs (as long you and your GP accepts this and you have been stabilised). This can be done at an additional fee.DiagnosisBeing diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in finding the appropriate treatment for your issues. Based on the specific symptoms you experience and how they impact your life, treatment can differ from medication to cognitive behavioral therapy to coaching. The best choice is an extensive evaluation and diagnosis by an adult ADHD specialist. If your GP refuses to provide you with a referral, request the referral of a private healthcare clinic like Priory or another well-known hospital that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. These experts are skilled in diagnosing ADHD and can provide a clear diagnosis within a few short weeks.The diagnosis of ADHD for adults can be more difficult than for children due to the symptom guides utilized by psychologists were created to help identify issues in children. Besides taking your medical history, your doctor will likely conduct a clinical interview, and may also employ questionnaires. Some doctors will even conduct a brain scan in order to determine if your brain functions as it should.A thorough assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health check as about 80 percent of adults who have ADHD also suffer from another disorder such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be properly assessed, you should always visit an expert psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.If you're unsure of who to contact for an assessment and diagnosis, think about asking your GP for a recommendation or calling your insurance company to determine which specialists are part of the network and have the experience to identify adult ADHD. Alternately, you could call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness 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 those who are members of the group.A thorough ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours to perform and includes an online test, a clinic interview and various assessments that are validated. The outcome of the assessment is a thorough report that your doctor can send to your GP or write to third parties.MedicationIf your symptoms of ADHD are affecting your daily life or relationships You should seek out professional help. First, visit your GP and request an appointment to conduct an assessment. The GP can evaluate your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will only refer you to specialists if they believe that you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.Once you are directed to a specialist, you must make an appointment with them. The doctor will review your symptoms, your history and family history. They will also evaluate the current health status and your lifestyle. They might suggest you take medication to control your symptoms. They will explain the advantages and risks of the medication and work out which is best for you.Treatments for ADHD are known as stimulants. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It works by increasing activity in the brain and can be prescribed as immediate-release tablets that are taken two or three times per day or as modified release tablets, which are taken once per day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adolescents, adults and children. Your specialist will discuss with you how long you should take the medication.Unfortunately, some media coverage of private ADHD assessments and treatment can create the impression that these clinics are'shady'. BBC Panorama's documentary named The ADHD Scandal, later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Expose, is a great example.The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD assessments treatment, assessment and treatment. However, this should not detract from the fact that those who would like to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should have access to high-quality healthcare. The fact that a healthcare professional is charging for their services, it does not mean they can bend the rules or disregard evidence-based practice. They must adhere to guidelines set out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for GPs, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists.TreatmentGetting the right diagnosis for ADHD is an essential step in managing your symptoms. Your doctor may refer you to an individual speciality clinic like an Priory hospital or a wellbeing center to conduct an assessment. The clinic will provide you with a full report of your results. They will also help you manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and lead a more enjoyable lifestyle.The first step is to fill out the 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 a family member for assistance. Your therapist will utilize this information to develop an individualised treatment plan. They will examine your symptoms, their impact on different contexts, and your current life challenges. They may also suggest other treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).After a thorough examination, your doctor may prescribe medication. They'll consider your symptoms, age, and other aspects. They'll also consider whether other disorders like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms.A thorough examination is required to make an accurate ADHD diagnosis, and this includes taking a medical history, performing tests of the psychological and physical and analyzing your responses to questions. The doctor will ask about any other health problems you have had and will examine other possible causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or depression.In some cases the psychiatrist or GP may decide that you don't meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because the symptom list is too broad or that another condition better explains your symptoms. If you are not satisfied with the decision you've made, you can ask for an additional opinion. This can be from the GP or a psychiatrist.In addition to prescribing medication as well, your psychologist will assist you in establishing strategies to deal with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how you can manage your symptoms at school as well as at work and at home. They'll also offer you guidance and support in developing an ideal self-image so that you can conquer the effects of your symptoms.