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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 seek a private diagnosis of ADHD because they feel they are unable to wait for an NHS referral. Referrals from your GP can take several months. Symptoms There are a variety of treatment options for those suffering from ADHD symptoms that impact your personal and professional life. This could include psychotherapy or medication. Understanding your symptoms and how they impact on your life is vital and can help guide the treatment you receive. Hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as 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 more frequently. These issues can cause significant problems in their life and have a negative effect on their relationships, work performance and overall well-being. ADHD can make it difficult to concentrate, listen and follow instructions. private adhd assessment adults can lead to problems in school or at home and could cause people to feel overwhelmed and angry. It can also cause people to be irritable and tense and can cause difficulty in organising and planning tasks. It can cause issues with managing appointments and responsibilities as well as forgetting things such as money, keys or the mobile phone. Symptoms of ADHD can also cause problems with eating and sleeping and can have a negative effect on overall health and wellbeing. In certain cases, untreated ADHD can be linked to depression and anxiety. There is no cure for ADHD however treatment can help improve your symptoms and decrease the effects they have 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 day-to-day activities and whether they have a negative impact on your home, work and social life. The doctor will then suggest the most effective treatment strategy for you. You can be referred to an adult ADHD specialist by your GP or you can call Priory yourself and arrange an assessment. If you're diagnosed with adult ADHD, it is possible to sign an agreement on shared care for your medication with your GP so that you only pay NHS prescription charges (as you and your GP agrees and you have been stabilised). This is possible at a cost. Diagnosis Getting diagnosed as having ADHD is an important first step to find the best treatment for your issues. Treatment can vary depending on your symptoms and the 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 from an adult ADHD specialist. If your GP refuses to recommend you, request the referral of a private healthcare clinic such as Priory or any other well-known hospital that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. These specialists are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide a precise diagnosis to you within a few short weeks. Finding out if you have ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children because the symptom guidelines used by psychologists are actually designed to identify problems in kids. Besides taking your medical history, your doctor is likely to conduct a clinical interview and might also use questionnaires. Some doctors might even perform a brain scan to see if your brain is working in the way it should. A complete assessment will include a mental health screening, as 80percent of people suffering from ADHD also suffer from another disorder like autism or post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). In order to be properly assessed, you should always see a psychiatrist who is an expert or a therapist that specializes in mental health. If you are unsure who to call for an evaluation or diagnosis, consult your GP or contact your insurance company. They can tell you which doctors have expertise in diagnosing adult ADHD and are part of the network. Alternately, you could call 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 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 clinical interview and various validated assessments. The outcome of the test is a thorough report that your specialist will send to your GP or a letter to third parties. Medication If your symptoms of ADHD are impacting your everyday life or relationships you must seek professional help. You should first visit your GP and ask for an appointment for an assessment. The GP will examine your symptoms and look over documents like school reports. They will usually only refer you to a specialist when they believe that you meet the criteria for diagnosis. It is recommended to make an appointment with the specialist once you have been sent to the specialist. The doctor will discuss your symptoms, history and family history. They will also assess your health and lifestyle. They might suggest you take medication to help control your symptoms. They will explain the advantages and risks of these medications and work out which is best for you. Stimulants are medicines that are used to treat ADHD. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It improves the activity of the brain and can be prescribed in immediate-release tablets taken two or three time every day, or modified release tablets that are taken one time a week and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is appropriate for adolescents, adults and children. Your doctor will discuss the duration of the medication with you. Unfortunately, certain media coverage of private ADHD assessments and treatment can create the impression that these clinics are'shady'. One such example is the BBC Panorama documentary that was originally named The ADHD Scandal, which was later changed to Private ADHD Clinics Explicit. There is no doubt that the NHS struggles to meet demand for ADHD tests and treatments. However, this should not hinder the fact that people who wish 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 are free to ignore the rules or disregard evidence-based practices. They must adhere to the guidelines set by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. This is true for doctors, psychiatrists, and private ADHD specialists alike. Treatment The right diagnosis of ADHD is crucial for managing your symptoms. Your GP may recommend you to an individual speciality clinic like a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre to conduct an assessment. The clinic will provide you with a complete report of your results. Additionally, they will assist you in managing your symptoms to help you live a more fulfilling life and improve your overall wellbeing. The first step is to fill out the questionnaire. It will typically ask you to rate how you behave in various situations. For example at work, school or with friends. You might be asked to bring along someone from your family for assistance. Your counselor will use this information to create an individual treatment plan. They will examine your symptoms, their impact in different situations, as well as your current challenges in life. They will also recommend any other treatments that may be beneficial, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). After you've completed an assessment and your doctor has prescribed medications if required. They'll consider your symptoms, your age, and other factors. They'll also consider whether other conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder might be contributing to your ADHD. To determine a correct ADHD diagnosis A thorough exam is needed. This includes taking a medical history, conducting psychological and physical tests, and also analyzing your answers to questions. The doctor will also discuss any other health issues you've experienced and will also look for any other possible causes of your symptoms such as a thyroid problem or depression. In some cases, a psychiatrist or doctor may determine that you don't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. It could be because the list of symptoms is a bit too broad or that a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms. If you're not happy with the decision you've made, you can ask for an alternative opinion. This could be from a psychiatrist or GP. Your psychologist will prescribe medication and assist you devise strategies to deal with the challenges of living with ADHD. They'll give you suggestions on how to deal with your symptoms at school as well as at work and at home. They will also give you assistance and advice on developing a confidence in yourself so that you can overcome your symptoms.