Private Diagnosis of ADHD
The NHS is experiencing a long waitlist for adult ADHD treatment. Many patients are turning towards private clinics for diagnosis and treatment, via out-of-pocket plans or right to select arrangements.
BBC Panorama exposed these clinics. The procedure of obtaining a diagnosis privately can be a daunting task.
Getting an answer to a question
ADHD is a complex condition that affects people of all ages. Adults with ADHD struggle to manage their symptoms that can cause issues at home and at work. A private ADHD assessment can help adults gain the expert insight they require to pinpoint and treat their symptoms.
A private diagnosis of adhd is made by a licensed psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. They will look at your symptoms in depth, including the impact they have on your daily life. They will then design an appropriate treatment plan according to your requirements. This will include a discussion on the use of medications and other therapies.
If you're concerned that you might be suffering from ADHD, the first step is to talk with your family doctor. They can refer you to a mental health professional or suggest you fill out an online questionnaire about your symptoms. After you have completed the questionnaire, a mental health professional will conduct an interview with you and compare your answers to an inventory. This is known as an ADHD assessment and could take as long as two sessions. It's usually helpful to bring a family member or friend along with you to provide support.
You can also present your spouse or boss a questionnaire to fill out in order for them to provide feedback about your symptoms. They will also be able to determine if you suffer from ADHD as a child or an adult. They will ask you to rate how often your symptoms occur and the impact they have on your daily life. They may also ask you to rate your behaviour in different social situations.
Some people don't get the diagnosis of ADHD until much later in their lives. This can be frustrating particularly when medical experts have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD should look like. It is important to keep in mind that these prejudices can result in false or inaccurate assessments.
BBC Panorama revealed that some private providers were able to overdiagnose ADHD. This is an issue because if the diagnosis is wrong and the result is improper or ineffective treatment. It is important to select an experienced and reliable doctor.
Medication
Most of the time, when a person is diagnosed as having ADHD, they will be prescribed medication. The medication could come in the form of antidepressants such as Atomoxetine or bupropion, or even stimulants such as dexamphetamine and methylphenidate. A lot of these medications are available in long-acting or extended-release formulations that build up slowly in the bloodstream, and consequently minimize the risk of side effects.
It is important to remember that medication can only help manage ADHD symptoms and does not cure it. If not treated, ADHD can cause problems with relationships, work and overall well-being. It is crucial that anyone who suffers from the condition is aware of the issue and seeks treatment if they think it is needed.
A medical professional should be the one to diagnose ADHD and determine what type of treatment is suitable. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse. But just because private adhd assessment is certified in one of these fields does not mean they have experience diagnosing ADHD or comorbid conditions in adults and children.
Parents who have had their child diagnosed with ADHD might find the process of obtaining the right treatment long. If you can afford it may opt to have a private evaluation, but the cost of doing this can be quite high.
There have been reports that private practitioners are over-diagnosing ADHD due to inadequate clinical assessments. This can cause problems for both doctors and patients, as they are forced to accept prescriptions given by private clinics.
For adults, it's not possible to get a diagnosis from the NHS however it is possible to get an examination privately, such as in a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre. It is expensive however, if someone is on a prescription for a time and is stable, it might be possible to transfer the diagnoses back to a GP. The NHS will then give the prescription. Certain health insurance plans that are extended will pay for the cost. The charity ADHD Foundation offers a free assessment service for those who are unable to pay for.
Therapy
If you're not able to reduce your ADHD symptoms through medication, or you're looking to improve yourself all around and need guidance to motivate yourself, counseling could be beneficial. In therapy, you'll be taught the cognitive distortions that lead to negative thinking patterns, such as procrastination or impulsivity and learn ways to change these patterns. Your therapist will also teach you self-management systems to help you cope with your ADHD symptoms.
Counselling can be particularly useful for adults who were abused or neglected as children, and who are struggling to come to terms with their ADHD diagnosis and feel like they've failed in their lives as a result of the effects of ADHD. They may feel guilty or embarrassed by their inability to interact with others, especially at work and school. Individual talk therapy can help you build more positive relationships and find healthy ways to deal with your feelings.
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. Your counsellor may suggest to inform your professor or boss about your ADHD and request accommodations at work or in the classroom. Vocational tests can be very helpful in identifying your strengths and weaknesses, so that you can adjust your goals to fit them.
A full mental-health screening is essential to determine the correct diagnosis. This is important since a myriad of other ailments could be similar to ADHD. Around 80percent of ADHD sufferers will also suffer from co-morbidities that affect their mental health, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or psychosis. Doctors are concerned that a lot of private ADHD clinics do not perform full mental health screenings and could be misdiagnosing patients. A recent study conducted by BJGP found that the current assessment pathways may be harming vulnerable adults by overloading NHS mental health services with ADHD referrals.
It's time to simplify the procedure of assessing and diagnosing ADHD. Hopefully, the BBC's Panorama expose will spark changes in the way that ADHD is diagnosed and treated. In the meantime, people suffering from ADHD are able to seek out an individual provider for a reasonable and prompt diagnosis that can get them on the right path to recovery.
Support
If you suspect you or someone you know could have ADHD, enquiring about an assessment is the first step. Mention the symptoms that you or someone else are experiencing and how they have affected your life. This will allow the healthcare professional to be able to understand the situation.
Many are concerned that the NHS is not doing enough to diagnose ADHD. This is a result of a BBC Panorama report which claimed private psychiatrists had misdiagnosed the condition. It's true that doctors are flooded with referrals to ADHD assessments. It could take up to a year for patients to consult a specialist.
Adults, who are typically working, cannot afford to sit around for months for treatment. Some are seeking private clinics to speed up the diagnosis and get treatment as soon as they can. It can be costly, however, and the expense isn't always covered by health insurance.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a great relief for many people however, it can also bring up questions about their identity and their place into the world. It is important to take the time to take your time and process your emotions, particularly if you feel overwhelmed. Talking about them with a close friend or therapist can be helpful however some people prefer to connect with other people online who have similar experiences.
Adults suffering from ADHD might need extra support at school or work to achieve their full potential. This could be in the form of breaks in the classroom or extra time during exams and written instructions for tasks. You should discuss any issues with your instructor or supervisor because they might be more inclined than you to make adjustments. A diagnosis of ADHD could help you talk to your family and friends about mental health issues. Being able to have a solid support system is essential and your loved ones can assist you in managing your condition with therapy, medication or other methods that may work for you.