Private Diagnosis of ADHD
The NHS is facing a backlog of waiting lists for adult ADHD treatment. Many patients are turning towards private clinics for diagnosis and treatment either through out-of-pocket arrangements or the right to choose arrangements.
BBC Panorama exposed these clinics. However, the process of getting a private diagnosis can seem daunting.
Getting an accurate diagnosis
ADHD is a condition that affects everyone of all ages. Adults with ADHD frequently struggle with managing their symptoms, which can lead to problems at home and in work. Adults who suffer from ADHD may benefit from a personal ADHD assessment to gain the professional understanding and treatment they require.
A trained psychiatrist or clinical psychologist will conduct a private diagnosis of adhd. They will analyze your symptoms in depth, including how they impact your everyday life. They will then develop the treatment plan according to your requirements. This may include a discussion about medications and other treatments.
Speak to your family doctor if you are concerned that you may have ADHD. They may refer you to an expert in mental health or suggest you fill out an online survey about your symptoms. Once you've filled out the questionnaire and a mental health professional will conduct a structured interview and then compare your answers to an inventory. This is referred to as an ADHD assessment and could take between two and three sessions. It is usually helpful to have a trusted family member or a friend to be with you for help.
You can also give your spouse, boss or employer the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire in order to provide feedback about your symptoms. They will also look into your experience with ADHD as an adult and as a child. They will ask you to rate how often your symptoms manifest and what impact they have on your life. They might also ask you to rate your behaviour in various social situations.
Many people don't receive a diagnosis of ADHD until later in their lives. This can be a difficult experience, particularly because medical professionals have preconceived ideas regarding what someone suffering from ADHD is like. It's important to remember that these prejudices can result in false or inaccurate assessments.
A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that some private providers were systematically diagnosing ADHD. This is an issue because when the diagnosis is not correct and the result is unsuitable or ineffective treatment. It is important to select an expert 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. This medication may come in the form of antidepressants, such as bupropion or Atomoxetine or stimulants like dexamphetamine or methylphenidate. Many of these drugs are available in long-acting or extended-release formulations, which accumulate slowly in the bloodstream and reduce side effects.
It is important to note that medication can only help control ADHD symptoms, but it does not eliminate it. Untreated ADHD can lead to issues with work, relationships, and well-being. Anyone suffering from ADHD should be aware of their symptoms and seek treatment if required.
A medical professional is the most qualified person to diagnose ADHD and determine the most appropriate treatment. This might be psychologist, psychiatrist or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). However, just because a healthcare professional has a qualification in one of these fields does not necessarily mean that they have experience diagnosing ADHD or other comorbid disorders for children and adults.
The process of finding the right treatment for children who have been diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult and long. Those who are able to afford it, can opt to go private for an assessment, but the price of doing this can be very high.
There are reports of private providers claiming to over-diagnose ADHD due to insufficient clinical assessments. This could pose a problem for both GPs and patients, who will be required to accept prescribing arrangements that were created by private clinics or right-to-choose arrangements.
For adults, it is not possible to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS however, it is possible to receive an examination privately, for example at a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre. It could be expensive however, if a patient is on a prescription for a while and is stable, it might be possible to transfer the diagnosis back to an GP. The NHS will then supply the treatment. Certain health insurance plans with extended coverage will pay for the cost. The charity ADHD Foundation offers a free assessment for those who can't afford to pay.
Therapy
Counseling could be beneficial if you are unable to improve ADHD symptoms with medication or if you wish to improve your performance in general and need motivation. During therapy the cognitive distortions that create negative thinking patterns such as procrastination and impulsivity are explained to you. You will also learn how to correct these distortions. Your therapist will teach you self-management techniques to assist you in managing ADHD symptoms.
Counseling can be extremely beneficial for adults who have been neglected or abused in their childhood, and who struggle with their ADHD diagnosis and feel they've failed in their lives due to the disorder's symptoms. They may feel guilt or shame for their inability to communicate with others, particularly at school and at work. Individual talk therapy helps to build stronger relationships and develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage your emotions.
For adults whose issues with ADHD are more work-related Counseling can help them manage their study and work habits and develop strategies to overcome workplace challenges. Your counselor might advise you to inform your boss or professor about your ADHD and ask for accommodations at work or in the classroom. Vocational assessments are also helpful in identifying your strengths and weaknesses to allow you to tailor your goals to suit them.
To establish the correct diagnosis, a full mental-health screening is required. This is essential since a myriad of other illnesses can look like ADHD and about 80% of people with ADHD are likely to have co-morbid mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder, or psychosis. GPs worry that private ADHD clinics aren't conducting full mental-health screenings, and may be misdiagnosing patients. A recent study by BJGP found that the current assessment methods could be causing harm to vulnerable adults due to the over-use of NHS mental health services with ADHD referrals.
A simplified process to evaluate and diagnose ADHD is long overdue. The BBC's Panorama exposé will hopefully spark changes in how ADHD is assessed and managed. Adults with ADHD can still consult an individual provider for an accurate and cost-effective diagnosis.
Support
If you suspect 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 you or the person has been experiencing and how they have affected your life. This will help the doctor know the situation.
In the aftermath of a BBC Panorama investigation that claimed private psychiatrists were misdiagnosing ADHD, many people are worried about the difficulty to get diagnosed by the NHS. Doctors are overwhelmed with referrals for ADHD tests. And it can take up to a year for patients to consult a specialist.
Adults, who are typically working, cannot afford to wait for months. Some are seeking private clinics to speed up their diagnosis and receive treatment as quickly as they can. This can be expensive however, and the expense isn't always covered by your health insurance.
Info 's a relief to receive the diagnosis of ADHD, but it can also be a source of confusion about one's identity and how they fit within society. It is important to take the time to sort out your emotions, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed. It may be beneficial to talk about these feelings with a close friend or therapist, or with other people who share similar experiences.
Adults suffering from ADHD may require extra help at school or at work to reach their full potential. This can be as simple as movement breaks during classes or extra time to take tests, and written instructions for the tasks. You should discuss any difficulties with your teacher or supervisor because they might be more inclined than you to adjust your schedule. A diagnosis of ADHD can also make it easier to discuss with your family and friends about mental health issues. Your loved ones can help manage your condition with therapy, medication, or other strategies.