ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough evaluation for a proper ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation revealed that a few private clinics may be giving out unreliable diagnosis and inappropriate medications.
A reliable diagnosis for ADHD is based on the severity, number of, duration and impact of symptoms. The doctor will interview and examine the patient's medical, psychiatric and family background.
Diagnosis
For adults who feel they are suffering from symptoms that could be related to ADHD and are seeking a diagnosis, it is a key step to finding treatment and gaining control over their lives. If they suspect they may have ADHD, or if they have a family member or a friend who has suggested it, getting the diagnosis will help them manage their symptoms.
The first thing that patients should discuss their issues with a GP. Tell them about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The GP will refer them to a seasoned mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be a skilled psychiatrist who has undergone specific training in the field. This is crucial because it lets the psychiatrist be confident that they're using the right criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will request that the patient bring their partner or close family members and acquaintances who are familiar with them. They'll also need to look at the patient's medical and mental background from childhood to now. They will also be looking at the severity of symptoms and the impact on the patient's daily life. A brain scan or blood test can't confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need to consider all the available information available.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient doesn't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses the psychiatrist will explain their reasoning. It could be that the patient hasn't provided sufficient detail about their difficulties or that another condition explains their behaviour better than ADHD. Alternatively, it might be the case that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's issues may be due to a different cause and not due to the condition.
Certain people have a tougher to receive a correct diagnosis due to the prejudices of certain healthcare experts. This is particularly the case if you're a person who is of color or a woman born or don't speak English natively. The NHS is trying its best to tackle this problem.
The Assessment
If you suspect you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should have an assessment by a medical professional who is experienced in these assessments. You may ask your physician to refer you or check with local medical schools or hospitals to determine the professionals who are qualified for an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also request a referral from an ADHD support group in your area.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the amount, severity, and duration of symptoms in specific areas of your life. These include school, relationships and work. You may experience problems with regards to not performing in your education or at work as well as difficulties in maintaining and forming relationships and being forgetful or unorganized. It is essential to discuss these problems openly and not be hesitant to speak out against fear of criticism.
There are many different healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultant psychiatrists. To provide a formal diagnosis of ADHD it should be carried out either by a qualified Psychiatrist or a Prescriber Qualified Special Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication for ADHD.
You will usually be interviewed during an ADHD assessment and it is crucial to bring someone from your family to offer assistance or to provide evidence. It is also beneficial to record your symptoms and how they have impacted your life. adhd assessment private will ask you questions to discover more about your past and present functioning. They will also examine your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that may be causing symptoms of ADHD.
You can also get an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS, but it can take an extended time due to the long NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pockets for a private assessment and treatment via the 'Right to Choice route. It is important to keep in mind that the quality and price of private care can vary dramatically.
Medication
If you have been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in your adulthood it is a great idea to have a complete and thorough assessment. This will enable you to find the right medication and the help you require to manage the symptoms. There are a variety of private companies that offer this service, but should you decide to go down this route it is essential to investigate the reputation of your chosen psychiatrist and the level of their knowledge and training with neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a variety of celebrities have opened up about their struggles with ADHD. Sue Perkins, the host of Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. She said that this diagnosis "made everything seem to make sense". NHS waiting lists are still overcrowded despite the an increase in awareness.
To avoid this, doctors often do not recommend their patients to specialist services in order to obtain a private ADHD diagnosis. This is mainly because they do not have the time and in certain instances they may not be able to locate a specialist with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions. In certain areas, this is made worse by the fact that NHS staff are often assigned other requirements, like mental health assessments.
There is also a perception among some private companies offering ADHD assessments are prone to misdiagnosing people with the condition, which can result in devastating consequences for certain people. This issue was highlighted by the BBC Panorama program and there is a pressing need to improve access for ADHD assessments.
If you've been given a personal diagnosis of ADHD, it is possible to treat the disorder by using the combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate can be employed to increase concentration and productivity, whereas non-stimulants with a slower onset like atomoxetine are beneficial for improving your attention and impulse control.
Some patients only choose the behavioural approach and do not require medication. However, for those who require medication, a post-diagnostic package of care could be put together at Priory. This includes a detailed medical report as well as a titration of the final dosage, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic care
A diagnosis of ADHD could result in significant human and financial costs. This is why it's vital that a psychiatric examination and treatment program is accessible to all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medications as well as psychological and practical support and family therapy when appropriate. This should include family and workplace training on how to better help and manage an adult suffering from ADHD.
The first step is to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional who is qualified to evaluate ADHD or other disorders. Patients must bring a list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health concerns they have to the initial appointment. The interview will look into the patient's medical and mental health history, as well as their family history. It will also discuss how the ADHD symptoms affect the person's daily functioning and their relationships.
During this examination, the doctor will ensure 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 manifest in two different settings (home or at work) of the individual's daily life. It should affect their normal functioning and result in significant distress or impairment. This could take the form of a problem in keeping a job or managing finances or marriage or school issues, or their general quality of life.
There are a range of professionals who can perform an assessment for ADHD such as Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists are educated in the functioning of the brain, however they are unable to prescribe medications. They can only provide advice. Psychologists are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD, and can offer medications if necessary.
If the Psychiatrist decides that the patient with ADHD requires medication they will write a prescription and give it to the local pharmacy. This is under the supervision of a psychiatrist and should be completed within three months after the private assessment to ensure that the person is able to be adjusted to their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue NHS prescribing after the private ADHD assessment The Psychiatrist will present them with a complete report and treatment recommendations and will draft a Shared Care Agreement with the GP.