ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough examination for the correct ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation revealed that a few private clinics may be giving out unreliable diagnosis and inappropriate medication.
A valid diagnosis for ADHD is determined by the number, severity, duration and impact of symptoms. The clinician will interview the patient and go over the medical, psychiatric, family, and personal history.
Diagnosis
For adults who feel they have symptoms that may be associated with ADHD and are seeking a diagnosis, it is an essential step towards finding a treatment and gaining control of their lives. If they are aware that they might be suffering from the disorder, or have had a friend or family member suggest they might be suffering from it, obtaining the correct diagnosis can allow them to find the treatment and support needed to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
The first thing patients must do is discuss their concerns with an GP. Tell them about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The GP will refer them to an experienced mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist should be a psychiatrist who has completed specialized training in this field. This is crucial because it lets the psychiatrist be certain that they are using the right criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will request that the patient bring their partner or close family members and friends who are familiar with them. They'll also need to examine the patient's medical and psychiatric history from childhood onwards. They will also take into consideration the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the patient's daily life. A brain scan or blood test cannot confirm the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need take into consideration all available information.
If the psychiatrist does not think that the patient is meeting all the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain why. It could be that the patient has not given sufficient details about their problems or that another condition explains their behaviour better than ADHD. It could also be that the doctor believes that the patient's problems result from something else and not ADHD.
Some people have a difficult time getting a proper diagnosis due to the prejudices of some healthcare medical professionals. This is especially relevant if you're someone of color, a woman at birth, or do not speak English natively. However, there is a growing awareness of this problem and the NHS is working to address the issue.
Assessment
If you suspect you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should seek an evaluation by a health care provider who has experience in such evaluations. You can ask your personal physician for a referral or consult with local hospitals affiliated with universities or medical schools to determine which professionals are qualified to perform an ADHD evaluation for adults. You can also ask an individual from your local ADHD support group for an appointment.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number, severity and duration of the symptoms in specific areas of your life. This includes relationships, school and work. You might experience issues with regards to not performing in your education or at work, difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships and being forgetful or disorganised. It is crucial to talk about these problems and not be afraid to confront criticism.
There are many different healthcare professionals that can carry out an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultant psychiatrists. However, to be able to give a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD it must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist, or Prescriber Qualified Specialist Nurse. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for the treatment of ADHD.
In the course of an ADHD assessment you will be interviewed. It is important to bring a family member along for support or as evidence. It is also beneficial to note down your symptoms and how they've affected your life. The doctor will ask you questions to gather information about your background and current condition. They will also check your body to determine if there are any medical conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD.
You can also access an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS however, it could take an extended time due to the logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some people find that paying out of pocket for private treatment and assessment through the "Right to Choose" route is simpler. It is important to keep in mind that the cost and quality of private care can vary greatly.
Medication
If you've struggled with symptoms of ADHD in adulthood, it is a good idea to get a thorough and thorough assessment. This will help you get the right medication and help you require to manage your symptoms. There are numerous private providers of this service but, if you choose to go this route it is essential to investigate the reputation of the chosen psychiatrist and their knowledge and training with neurodevelopmental disorders.
A high number of public figures have been open about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. Sue Perkins, the host of Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. She stated that this diagnosis "made everything seem to make sense". NHS waiting lists are still crowded despite increased awareness.
In order to avoid this, doctors often hesitate to refer their patients to specialist services in order to obtain a private ADHD diagnosis. In part, this is due to the fact that they don't have the time, and in some cases they may not be able to locate a clinician who has expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders. In certain areas, this is made worse by the fact that NHS staff are often being tasked with other health requirements such as mental health assessments.
There is also a perception that some private companies that offer ADHD assessments are prone to misdiagnosing people with the condition, which can result in devastating consequences for certain people. The BBC Panorama programme raised this concern and there is a real need to improve access to specialized ADHD tests.
Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD, it is possible to treat the disorder with the combination of treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant medications like amphetamine and methylphenidate can be utilized to boost productivity and focus, while non-stimulants that are slower-acting like atomoxetine can be beneficial for improving the ability to concentrate and control impulses.
Some patients only choose treatment for behavioural issues and do not require medication. Priory can create a post-diagnostic care package for those who require medication. This will include a thorough report as well as a titration for the final dose which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic care
A diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by significant human and financial costs. This is why it's crucial that a psychiatric evaluation and treatment program is accessible to all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medications, psychological and practical assistance and family therapy if needed. This should include both workplace and family information on how to best assist and manage an adult with ADHD.
The first step is to interview with an expert in mental health who is trained to assess ADHD and related conditions. Patients are required to bring a list with their symptoms as well as any other mental health concerns they may have to their first appointment. This interview will examine the patient's medical and psychiatric history, as well as their family history. It will also discuss how ADHD symptoms affect the person's daily functioning and their relationships.
During this examination, the doctor will check whether the symptoms are in line with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must be evident in two places of the person's life (either home or work). It must affect their normal functioning and cause significant distress or impairment. This can take the form of a problem in keeping a job or managing finances or marriage, problems in school or their overall quality of living.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals that can conduct an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are experts on how the brain works, but are not qualified to prescribe medication, and can only recommend counselling. private adhd assessment are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD and may prescribe medication if needed.
If the Psychiatrist determines that the person has ADHD requires medication, they will prescribe a prescription to local pharmacists. This is under the supervision and guidance by the Psychiatrist. The procedure should be completed within three months following the private assessment. This will allow the individual to fully titrate into their final dosage of medication. If the GP agrees to continue NHS prescribing following the private ADHD assessment the Psychiatrist will provide them with a an extensive report and treatment recommendations, and will create an Shared Care Agreement with the GP.