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ADHD Diagnosis – Holding Private Clinics to Account BBC Panorama's investigation into private clinics that diagnose ADHD is calling them to account. It is claimed that they are over-diagnosing the condition. Many people want to get a private diagnosis for ADHD due to the fact that they cant wait for an NHS referral. Referrals from your GP can take a few months. Symptoms If you're struggling with ADHD symptoms that impact on your work and personal life There are treatments available. They include medication or psychotherapy. Understanding your symptoms and how they affect your life is vital and will aid in guiding the treatment you receive. The most prominent symptoms and signs of adult ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits some of these behaviors at times, those who suffer from ADHD are more likely to do so and with greater frequency. These issues can cause significant issues in their lives and have a negative effect on their relationships, work performance, and overall well-being. ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate and listen, as well as follow instructions. adhd private assessment can cause issues in school as well as at home, and can cause people to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It can also cause people to be irritable and tense and may cause difficulties with planning and organising tasks. It can cause problems with keeping appointments and responsibilities, and also causing people to forget things like keys, money, or the mobile phone. ADHD symptoms can cause issues with sleep and eating, which can negatively impact overall health and well-being. In some cases, unmanaged ADHD may be associated with anxiety and depression. ADHD is not curable, however treatment may help reduce symptoms and their impact on your life. You'll require 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 suggest a treatment plan based on your requirements. You may be recommended to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can contact Priory yourself and arrange an assessment. If you are diagnosed with adult ADHD it is possible to get a shared care agreement for your medication with your GP to ensure that you only pay NHS prescription charges (as as your GP accepts this and you have been stabilised). This can be arranged for an additional cost. Diagnosis A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards finding the most effective treatment for your symptoms. Treatment options vary based on your symptoms and impact they have on your daily life. It could be medication, cognitive therapy or coaching. The best option is to get an extensive evaluation and diagnosis by a specialist in adult ADHD. If your GP refuses to refer you, ask for a referral from a private health clinic such as Priory or any other well-known hospital that is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists have expertise in determining ADHD and can provide you with an accurate diagnosis within a few weeks. The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children due to the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are actually geared toward identifying problems in children. In addition to taking your medical history, the specialist will likely conduct a medical interview and may also use questionnaires. Some doctors might even conduct a brain scan to determine whether your brain is functioning the way it should. A complete assessment of ADHD will also include a mental health screening since around 80 percent of adults with ADHD have a different condition like autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To ensure that you are properly assessed it is crucial to visit a psychiatrist therapist who specializes in mental health. If you're not sure who to contact to get an evaluation and diagnosis, you might consider asking your GP for an opinion or contacting your insurance provider to find out which specialists are part of the network and have the expertise to diagnose adult ADHD. Alternately, you could contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to request recommendations for professionals in your region. If there's an ADHD support group in your local area Ask for recommendations from those who attend the group. A thorough ADHD assessment usually takes 1.5 hours to perform and includes an online test, a medical interview, and the completion of several validated assessments. The result of the test is a detailed report that your specialist can send to your GP or a letter to third parties. Medication If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD and they're affecting your relationships or everyday life, you should seek help from a professional. First, visit your GP and ask for an appointment to conduct an assessment. The GP can assess your symptoms and review documents such as school reports. They will typically refer you to a specialist if they believe you meet the criteria for diagnosis. If you're recommended to a specialist, you should attend an appointment with them. The doctor will review your symptoms, medical history and family history. They will also assess your health and lifestyle. They might suggest you take medication to control your symptoms. They will discuss the benefits and risks of these medications and help you decide which is the best option for you. Treatments for ADHD are referred to as stimulants. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It works by increasing activity in the brain. It can be prescribed as tablets that release immediately that are taken two or three times per day, or as modified release tablets, which are taken once a day and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is suitable for adolescents, adults and children. Your doctor will inform you the duration you should be taking the medication. Certain media coverage of private ADHD assessment and treatment can make it appear as if these clinics' are “shady”. BBC Panorama's documentary titled The ADHD Scandal and later renamed Private ADHD Clinics Exposed, is a good example. The NHS is struggling to meet the demands for ADHD assessments, treatment and assessment. But, this should not hinder the fact that people who want to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD should be able to access high-quality healthcare. The fact that a healthcare professional charges for their services does not mean that they are able to evade rules or ignore evidence-based practice. They must adhere to the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. That is true of doctors, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists alike. Treatment The right diagnosis for ADHD is an important step to manage your symptoms. Your GP might refer you to an individual clinic for evaluation like Priory Hospital or a wellness centre. The clinic will give you a complete report of the results. They will also assist you to manage your symptoms to improve your overall health and live a more fulfilling lifestyle. The first step is to fill in a questionnaire. Typically, this will require you to rate your behaviours in different situations, like at school, home or at work and with your friends. You may be asked to bring a family member along with you to offer support. Your Therapist will use this information to create an individualised treatment plan. They will look at your symptoms, how they affect you in different situations and your current life difficulties. They will also suggest any other treatments that may be beneficial, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). After you've completed an assessment the doctor will prescribe medication if needed. They will consider your symptoms, your age and other factors. They'll also determine if other conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD. To determine a correct ADHD diagnosis an extensive examination is necessary. This involves taking a medical history, performing physical and psychological tests, and analyzing your answers to questions. The doctor will talk with you about any other health issues you've had and will also look for any other possible causes of your symptoms, such as a thyroid problem or depression. In some instances a psychiatrist or a doctor may decide that you do not meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. It could be because your symptoms are too broad or that an alternative condition is better suited to explain your symptoms. If you are not satisfied with the decision made you may seek an additional opinion. This could be from an GP or psychiatrist. In addition to prescribing medication and therapists, your psychologist can also help you develop strategies for dealing with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll offer advice on how you can manage your symptoms at school, at work and at home. They will also give you assistance and guidance to develop a a positive self-image so that you can conquer your symptoms.