Private Diagnosis of ADHD
The NHS is experiencing a long waitlist for adult ADHD treatment. Many patients are turning to private clinics to get diagnosed and treated, either out of pocket or through right-to-choose arrangements.
BBC Panorama exposed these clinics. The process of obtaining an appointment for a medical diagnosis can be a daunting task.
Finding an accurate diagnosis
ADHD is a tangled condition that affects people of all ages. Adults with ADHD often struggle to manage their symptoms, which can cause difficulties at home and at work. A private ADHD assessment can help adults gain the specialist insight they need to pinpoint and treat their symptoms.
A trained psychiatrist or clinical psychology will make a personal diagnosis of adhd. They will analyze your symptoms in depth including how they affect your daily life. Then, they'll develop a plan of treatment that is based on your specific requirements. This may include a discussion about medication and other treatments.
Speak to your family doctor If you're worried about having ADHD. 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 healthcare professional will conduct an interview with you and compare your answers to an inventory. This is known as an ADHD assessment and can take two sessions to complete. It's generally recommended to bring a trusted friend or family member with you for support.
You might also have a questionnaire to your spouse, employer or boss to fill out to give them feedback on your symptoms. They will also assess whether you have ADHD as a kid or as an adult. They will ask you to rate the frequency with which your symptoms manifest and what impact they have on your life. They might also ask you to rate your behaviour in different social situations.
While many people are diagnosed with ADHD as children, a few don't get a diagnosis until much later in life. 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 could cause inaccurate or misleading assessments.
BBC Panorama revealed that some private providers have overdiagnosed ADHD. This is a concern because when the diagnosis is not correct and the result is unsuitable or ineffective treatment. It is essential to choose an experienced doctor with a good reputation.
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When someone is diagnosed with ADHD they are often prescribed medication. Based on the person, this could be in the form of stimulant drugs like methylphenidate or dexamphetamine and antidepressants such as bupropion or atomoxetine, or other non-stimulant medication like guanfacine and topiramate. A lot of these medications are available in long-acting or extended-release formulations, which build up slowly in the bloodstream, and consequently reduce side effects.
It is important to remember that medication only helps to reduce ADHD symptoms but does not solve the problem. Those with untreated ADHD can still struggle with their relationships, work and well-being. It is important that anyone who suffers from the condition is aware of the issue and seeks treatment if they feel it is required.
A medical professional is the one to diagnose ADHD and determine the type of treatment is appropriate. This might be a psychologist, psychiatrist or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Just because healthcare professionals are qualified in one of these areas doesn't mean they have the expertise to diagnose ADHD and comorbidities among adults and children.
Parents who have been able to identify their child with ADHD may encounter the process of getting the right treatment frustrating and lengthy. Private assessments can be expensive for those who can afford them.
There have been reports of some private practitioners over-diagnosing ADHD because of inadequate clinical assessments. This could pose a problem for patients and GPs who will have to take on prescribing arrangements created by private clinics or through right-to-choose arrangements.
For adults, it's not possible to obtain an assessment through the NHS however it is possible to receive an examination privately, such as in a Priory hospital or wellbeing centre. It is expensive, but it is possible to transfer the diagnosis back to an GP and receive prescriptions through the NHS when the patient has been on a stable prescription for a certain period of time. Certain health plans with extended coverage will cover this cost. For those who are unable to afford to pay for an assessment, there is a free diagnosis service offered by the charity ADHD Foundation.
Therapy
If you're not able to reduce your ADHD symptoms with medication, or you're looking to improve yourself all around and need an aide to motivate yourself, counseling might be helpful. In therapy the cognitive distortions that create negative thinking patterns like procrastination and impulsivity are explained to you. You will also learn how to alter these patterns of thinking. Your therapist will also teach you self-management systems to help you manage your ADHD symptoms.
Counseling can be particularly beneficial for adults who have been neglected or abused in their childhood, or who are struggling with their ADHD diagnosis and feel they've failed their lives because of the disorder's symptoms. They might be feeling guilt or shame over their inability to interact appropriately with others, especially at work and school. Individual therapy can help you develop more positive relationships as well as healthy coping mechanisms for your emotions.
Counseling can assist people with ADHD who are experiencing difficulties at work. They can discover strategies to overcome obstacles and manage their performance. Your counselor might advise you to inform your professor or boss about your ADHD and ask for accommodations at work or in the classroom. Vocational tests can also help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses so you can adjust your career goals to suit them.
A complete mental health assessment is essential to determine the right diagnosis. This is important because a variety of other disorders can appear similar to ADHD. About 80% of ADHD sufferers will also have co-morbid issues related to mental health issues, like anxiety, depression bipolar disorder, psychosis. Doctors are concerned that private ADHD clinics might not be providing full mental health screenings and may be misdiagnosing patients. A recent study conducted by BJGP found that the current assessment methods could be putting vulnerable adults at risk due to the over-use of NHS mental health services with ADHD referrals.
A streamlined process to assess and diagnose ADHD is long overdue. The BBC's Panorama expose is likely to trigger changes in how ADHD is assessed and managed. Until then, adults with ADHD can find an individual provider for a reasonable and quick diagnosis that will put them on the road to recovery.
Support
Asking for an assessment is the first step to take in case you suspect that you or someone else you know might be suffering from ADHD. It's a good idea to describe the symptoms you or the person you know has been experiencing and how they have affected your life. This will help the doctor know the situation.
In the wake of a BBC Panorama investigation that claimed private psychiatrists were misdiagnosing ADHD, many people have been concerned about the difficulty to be diagnosed by the NHS. The reality is that doctors are flooded with requests for ADHD assessments, and it can take months to visit a specialist, leaving patients anxious and stressed while they wait for an answer.
Adults, who are typically in the workforce, can't afford to wait for months. Some are turning to private clinics to speed up the diagnosis and receive treatment as fast as they can. It can be costly and your health insurance might not cover the costs.
It's often it's a relief to be given an diagnosis of ADHD, but it can also be a source of confusion about one's identity and how they fit in the world. It is important to take time to deal with these feelings, particularly when they are overwhelming. It is helpful to talk about these feelings with a friend or therapist or others who have experienced similar feelings.
Adults with ADHD might require assistance at school or work to ensure that they are able to meet their potential. This could be in the form of movement breaks during lessons and extra time for exams, and written instructions for tasks. It is important to discuss any issues with your instructor or supervisor because they might be more inclined than you to adjust your schedule. A diagnosis of ADHD can also make it easier for you to speak to your family and close friends about your mental health struggles. Your loved ones can help manage your condition with medication, therapy, or other strategies.