This Is The Myths And Facts Behind ADHD Diagnosis Private ADHD Diagnosis - Holding Private Clinics to Account

BBC Panorama's investigation of private clinics that diagnose ADHD is calling them to account. Its claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition.

Many people seek a private diagnosis of ADHD because they believe they cant wait for an NHS referral. It could take months to be referred by your GP.

Signs and symptoms

There are a variety of treatment options if you suffer from ADHD symptoms that impact your personal and professional life. They include medication or psychotherapy. Understanding your symptoms and how they affect your life is crucial and can help guide the treatment you receive.

Hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention are the main symptoms and signs of adult ADHD. While everyone exhibits some of these behaviors occasionally, people who suffer from ADHD do so more often and with greater frequency. These issues can cause major issues in their lives and have a negative impact on their relationships, their work performance, and overall well-being.

ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen and follow instructions. It can cause problems at school and home and cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also make people feel anxious and fidgety, and cause problems in organising and planning tasks. It can create issues with appointments and responsibilities. It can also cause people to forget important items like keys, money or mobile phones.

ADHD symptoms can cause problems with eating and sleeping which can adversely impact overall well-being and health. Unmanaged ADHD is sometimes related to anxiety and depression.

ADHD is not curable, but treatment may help reduce symptoms and impact on your life. You will need to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider. more information will ask you to describe how your symptoms impact your day-to-day activities and whether they have an adverse impact on your work, home and social life. The doctor will then suggest the best treatment plan for you.

You can be referred to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can contact Priory yourself and request an assessment. If you've been diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to create a shared care agreement with your GP to pay only NHS prescription charges. This can be arranged for an additional fee.

Diagnosis

Getting diagnosed as having ADHD is the first step towards determining the right treatment for your issues. Based on the specific symptoms you experience and how they impact your daily life, treatment options can vary from medication to cognitive therapy to coaching. The best approach is to get a thorough evaluation and diagnoses from an adult ADHD specialist. If your doctor is unwilling to provide you with a referral, request the referral of an independent healthcare clinic such as Priory or another well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They are experts in determining ADHD and can give you an accurate diagnosis within a few weeks.

The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be more difficult than for children because the symptom guides utilized by psychologists were created to detect problems in children. In addition to taking your medical history, your specialist will likely conduct a medical interview and might also use questionnaires. Some doctors will even perform an MRI of your brain to determine if your brain functions as it should.

A thorough evaluation of ADHD will also include a mental health screening as about 80 percent of adults with ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To be able to properly assess the condition it is essential to visit a psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in mental health.

If you're unsure of who to call for an evaluation and diagnosis, consider asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance provider to find out which professionals are on the network and have the expertise to diagnose adult ADHD. You can also contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD for recommendations on professionals in your region. If there's an ADHD support group in your local area you can ask for recommendations from those who attend the group.

A complete ADHD assessment typically takes 1.5 hours to complete. It includes an online test, a clinic interview and various assessments that are validated. The result of the assessment will be a detailed report that your specialist will direct to your GP, or as an email.

Medication

If your symptoms of ADHD are affecting your daily life or your relationships you must seek professional help. The first step is to visit your GP (family doctor) and request that they send you to an assessment. The GP will be able to assess your symptoms and look over 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 after having been referred. The specialist will ask you about your symptoms as well as your family history and. They will also evaluate your current health and your lifestyle. They may suggest you consider medication to treat your symptoms. They will explain the benefits and risks of the medications and determine which one is best for you.


Stimulants are medications used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It enhances the activity of the brain and can be prescribed as tablets that are immediate-release and that are taken three or two times each day or in modified release tablets taken once every week and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is appropriate for adults, adolescents and children. Your doctor will determine the recommended 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". One such example is the BBC Panorama documentary that was originally named The ADHD Scandal, but later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Explicit.


There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD assessments and treatment. But, this should not be a reason to deny the fact that those who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should have access to high-quality healthcare. Even if a specialist charges for their services doesn't mean they can ignore evidence-based practices or deviate from the rules. They must still follow the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for GPs, consultant psychiatrists and private ADHD specialists alike.

Treatment

A proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial for managing your symptoms. Your doctor can recommend an exclusive specialist clinic, such as an Priory hospital or wellbeing centre for an assessment. The clinic will provide you with a full report of the results. Additionally, they will help you manage your symptoms so that you can live a more fulfilling life and improve your overall wellbeing.

The first step in the process is a questionnaire. It usually asks you to rate your behave in different situations. For example, at work, school or with friends. You may also be asked to bring a family member along with you for assistance. Your counselor will utilize this information to develop an individualised treatment plan. They will assess your symptoms, their impact on different situations, and also your current life challenges. They will also suggest any other therapies that could be beneficial, for instance, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

After a thorough assessment, your doctor may prescribe medication. They'll take into consideration your symptoms, age and other factors. They'll also determine if other conditions like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder may be contributing to your ADHD.

To determine a correct ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is required. This involves taking a medical history, taking psychological and physical tests as well as analysing your answers to questions. The doctor will ask about any other health problems you've had and examine other possible causes of your symptoms, including thyroid issues or depression.

In certain instances the psychiatrist or GP may determine that you don't meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because the symptom list isn't enough, or it might be that a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with the outcome you can seek an opinion from a different psychiatrist or GP.

In addition to prescribing medication, your psychologist will also help you develop strategies for dealing with the challenges that come with living with ADHD. They will give you advice on how to cope with your symptoms at school, at home and at work. They will also provide assistance and advice on developing a confidence in yourself to help you overcome the symptoms.