ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
To give people a proper diagnosis for ADHD, the NHS requires a thorough evaluation. The BBC investigation highlighted that some private clinics may provide inaccurate diagnoses and prescriptions.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms that are severe, their duration and impact. The doctor will interview and analyze the patient's medical, psychiatric and family background.
Diagnosis
Adults with symptoms they believe may be ADHD should look for a diagnosis in order to find the appropriate treatment and gain control of their life. If they believe they suffer from ADHD or someone in their family or a friend has suggested it, getting the diagnosis will aid them in managing their symptoms.
Patients should first discuss their concerns with the GP. They should be able to discuss their symptoms and how they impact their daily life. The doctor will recommend them to a skilled mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist should be psychiatrist who has completed specialized training in this area. This is crucial because it means that the psychiatrist can be sure that they have used the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will ask the patient to bring their spouse or close family members and friends who are familiar to them. They must also take into account the patient's medical history as well as mental health history, starting from childhood. They will also have to consider the severity of the symptoms and how they have affected the patient's life. There isn't a blood test or brain scan that can confirm an ADHD diagnosis, so the psychiatrist will have to evaluate all of the information available.
If the psychiatrist believes that the patient doesn't meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis, they will discuss their reasons. It could be because the patient has not given sufficient details about their problems, or it might be that another condition explains their behavior more effectively than ADHD. Alternatively, it might be that the doctor believes that the patient's difficulties are caused by something else and not due to the condition.
Certain people have a tougher in obtaining a diagnosis because of the prejudices of certain healthcare experts. This is especially relevant if you're an individual of color or a woman who was born or don't speak English natively. The NHS is doing its best to address this problem.
The Assessment
If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should seek an evaluation by a healthcare professional who is familiar with such assessments. You could ask your doctor to refer you or check with the local medical schools or hospitals to find out the professionals who are qualified for an ADHD assessment for adults. You may also ask for a referral from an ADHD support group in your area.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number of, severity and duration of symptoms that impact specific areas of your life. These can include school, work and relationships. You may experience problems that result in you not performing in school or work or in difficulty in maintaining and forming relationships, or being forgetful or disorganised. It is important to address these issues and not be afraid to confront criticism.
There are private adhd assessment of healthcare professionals who are able to conduct an ADHD assessment, from GP's to consultant psychiatrists. To give a definitive diagnosis of ADHD it must be performed either by a Psychiatrist who is qualified, or a Prescriber Qualified Special Nurse. This is because only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication for the treatment of ADHD.
You are usually questioned during an ADHD assessment, and it is important to bring a family member for support or to show evidence. It is also helpful to record your symptoms and how they have impacted your life. The doctor will ask questions to collect information about your background and your current functioning. They will also look at your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that may be causing symptoms of ADHD.
You can also get an adult adhd private diagnosis through the NHS however, it could take a long time due to the logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pocket for an assessment and treatment that is private through the 'Right To Choose option. However it is essential to remember that the quality of care from private providers is a lot different and it is crucial to choose your provider carefully.
Medication
If you have been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in adulthood, it is a good idea to have a full and thorough assessment. This will help you receive the correct medication and the help you require to manage the symptoms. There are numerous private companies that offer this service. However, if you choose to pursue this option it is essential to investigate the reputation of the chosen psychiatrist and their training and experience in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a number of prominent people have opened up about their struggles with ADHD. For instance, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and said that the diagnosis "made everything make sense". NHS waiting lists are still crowded despite an increase in awareness.
Therefore, doctors are usually reluctant to refer patients to specialist services for a private diagnosis of ADHD. This is due to the fact that they don't have the time and, in some cases, they may be unable to locate a doctor with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions. In certain areas, this is further exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff are often assigned other requirements such as mental health assessments.
There is also a perception that some private providers of ADHD assessments are prone to misdiagnosing people with the condition, and this 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.
Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD, it is possible to treat the disorder using a combination of treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamine can be used to improve concentration and control of impulses as well as slower-acting non-stimulants such as atomoxetine can be beneficial in improving focus and productivity.
Some patients only choose treatment for behavioural issues, and do not need medication. Priory can create an after-diagnostic care plan for those who require medication. This will include a comprehensive medical report, as well as a titration for the final dosage, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can result in significant human and financial costs. It is important to conduct a psychiatric assessment and treatment plan for all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medications as well as psychological and practical support and family therapy where appropriate. This should include family and workplace information on how to best support and manage an adult suffering from ADHD.
The first step is to interview with an expert in mental health who is trained to assess ADHD and other related disorders. Patients are required to bring a list with their symptoms as well as any other mental health issues they have to the initial appointment. This interview will examine the patient's medical and mental health history as well as their family history. It will also discuss how the ADHD symptoms affect the individual's daily functioning and how they affect their relationships.
During this examination, the doctor will ensure that the symptoms are consistent with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must appear in two different places (home or work) of the person's everyday life. It should affect the person's normal functioning, and cause a lot of distress. This can take the form of difficulties in finding a job, issues in marriage, or having to deal with finances, issues at school or in their overall level of living.
There are a range of professionals that can conduct an assessment for ADHD such as Psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists are trained in the function of the brain, however they are not able to prescribe medication. They can only offer counseling. Psychiatrists can diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication when needed.
If the Psychiatrist determines that the person has ADHD needs medication, they will prescribe a prescription to a local pharmacist. This is done under the supervision of a psychiatrist and must be completed within three months from the private assessment to ensure that the person has time to be fully titrated into their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue NHS prescribing following the private ADHD assessment, the Psychiatrist will provide them with an extensive report and treatment suggestions and will create an Shared Care Agreement with the GP.