Private Diagnosis of ADHD
Adult ADHD assessment and treatment is becoming increasingly difficult to access on the NHS due to logjammed waiting lists. Many patients are turning to private clinics for diagnosis and treatment, via out-of-pocket plans or right to choose arrangements.
These clinics have been revealed in a BBC Panorama investigation. The procedure of obtaining a diagnosis privately isn't easy.
Making an accurate diagnosis
ADHD is a tangled condition that affects people of all different ages. Adults with ADHD struggle to manage the symptoms that can cause problems both at home and at work. A private ADHD assessment can help adults get the specific information they require to identify and treat their symptoms.
A private diagnosis of adhd will be carried out by a qualified psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. They will look at your symptoms in detail and how they affect your daily life. They will then design the treatment plan that is according to your requirements. This will include a conversation about medications and other treatments.
Speak to your family doctor If you're worried that you might have ADHD. They can refer to a mental healthcare professional or suggest that you fill out an online questionnaire about your symptoms. Once you've completed the questionnaire, a mental health professional will conduct an organized interview and then compare your responses to a checklist. This is referred to as an ADHD assessment and can be completed in two sessions. It is usually beneficial to bring a family member or friend to help you.
You could also have a questionnaire to your spouse, employer or boss to complete to give them feedback on your symptoms. They will also look into your experience with ADHD as a child and in adulthood. You will be asked to rate the frequency of your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. They might also ask you to rate your behaviour in different social situations.
Some people don't get an diagnosis of ADHD until much later in their lives. This can be frustrating particularly since medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD should appear like. Be aware that these biases can result in inaccurate or incorrect assessments.
BBC Panorama revealed that some private providers were able to overdiagnose ADHD. This is a concern because if the diagnosis is wrong and the result is unsuitable or ineffective treatment. It is crucial to select a provider with experience and a good reputation.
Medication
In most cases, when someone is diagnosed as having ADHD and is diagnosed with it, they are prescribed medication. According to the individual, this may be in the form of stimulant drugs such as dexamphetamine or methylphenidate and antidepressants such as bupropion or atomoxetine or any other non-stimulant medication like guanfacine and topiramate. Many of these medications are available in extended-release or long-acting formulations that build up slowly in the bloodstream and reduce side effects.
It is worth noting that medication is only used to manage ADHD symptoms, but it does not eliminate it. People who aren't treated for ADHD are still struggling with their relationships, work and well-being. Anyone suffering from ADHD must be aware of the signs and seek treatment if needed.
A medical professional should be the one to diagnose ADHD and determine the type of treatment is appropriate. This could be psychiatrist, psychologist or advanced practice registered nurses. But just because a healthcare professional is certified in one of these fields does not mean that they have experience diagnosing ADHD or other comorbid disorders in children and adults.
The process of determining the appropriate treatment for a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult and long. Private assessments can be expensive for those who can afford them.
There have been reports of some private providers over-diagnosing ADHD because of inadequate clinical assessments. This can cause problems for both doctors and patients since they'll be forced to accept prescriptions initiated by private clinics.
Adults cannot get a diagnosis on the NHS. However, they can have a private assessment for example, at a Priory hospital or a wellbeing center. It is expensive, but it is possible to transfer the diagnosis back to the GP and get medications under the NHS in the event that the patient has been stable on their prescription for a period of time. Certain health plans with extended coverage will pay for this expense. The charity ADHD Foundation offers a free assessment service for those who cannot afford to pay.
Therapy
If you're unable improve your ADHD symptoms with medication, or you're looking to improve yourself all around and need an aide to motivate yourself, counseling might be a good idea. In therapy, the cognitive distortions which create negative thinking patterns like procrastination and impulsivity will be explained to you. You will also learn how to change these distortions. Your therapist will teach you self-management techniques to help you cope better with ADHD symptoms.
Counselling can be extremely beneficial for adults who were abused or neglected as children, and who are struggling to come terms with their ADHD diagnosis and who feel they've been unable to live their lives because of the disorder's effects. They might feel shame or guilt for their inability to interact appropriately with others, especially at school and at work. Individual therapy can help you build more positive relationships and develop healthy coping strategies to manage your emotions.
For adults whose problems with ADHD are more related to work counseling can help them manage their academic and work performance and develop strategies to overcome workplace challenges. For example, your counselor might advise you to disclose your ADHD to your boss or professor and request accommodations in the workplace or classroom. Vocational assessments can also be helpful in identifying your strengths and weaknesses, to allow you to tailor your goals to fit them.
To determine the correct diagnosis, a comprehensive mental-health screening is required. This is crucial since a myriad of other illnesses can look like ADHD and about 80% of people with ADHD will suffer from co-morbid mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or psychosis. GPs worry that private ADHD clinics may not be conducting full mental health screenings and may be overdiagnosing their patients. In private adhd clinic conducted by the BJGP found that the current arrangements for assessment pathways could be causing unnecessary harm to vulnerable adults by overburdening NHS mental health services with ADHD referrals.
It is long past time to simplify the process of assessing and diagnosing ADHD. The BBC's Panorama expose is likely to trigger changes in the way ADHD is assessed and managed. Until then, adults with ADHD can find an independent provider for an affordable and timely diagnosis that will get them on the path to recovery.
Support
If you think you or someone you know could have ADHD, enquiring about an assessment is the first step. It's a good idea to discuss the symptoms that you or the person you're experiencing and how they have affected your life. This will help your doctor know what you've been through.
In the wake of a BBC Panorama investigation that claimed private psychiatrists had been misdiagnosing ADHD Many people have been concerned about how hard it is to get diagnosed by the NHS. It's true that doctors are overwhelmed with referrals for ADHD tests. And it can take up to one year for patients to see a specialist.
This can be particularly difficult for adults, who are typically in the workforce and can't afford to be out of work for a long time while they wait. Some are turning to private clinics to speed up the diagnosis and receive treatment as quickly as possible. This can be expensive, however, and the cost isn't always covered by health insurance.
It's often an exhilarating experience to receive an diagnosis of ADHD however, it could also raise questions about identity and where they fit in the world. It is important to take time to sort through these feelings, especially when they seem overwhelming. Talking about them with a friend or therapist may help however some people feel more comfortable connecting with others on the internet who share similar experiences.
Adults with ADHD may need support at school or at work to ensure that they are able to reach their potential. This can be as simple as a break in the class, extra time for tests, and written instructions for the tasks. It's a good idea discuss any issues you may be having with your teacher or supervisor in order to see if they are more willing to make adjustments. A diagnosis of ADHD could help you to speak to your family and close friends about your mental health issues. A strong support system is crucial and your family members can assist you in managing your condition by taking therapy, medication or other methods that may be beneficial for you.