ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that people undergo a thorough assessment in order to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation revealed that a few private clinics may be handing out inaccurate diagnoses and prescriptions.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on the symptoms, their severity, duration, and impact. The doctor will interview and analyze the patient's medical, psychiatric and family medical history.
Diagnosis
Adults who experience symptoms that they believe may be ADHD should seek out a diagnosis to determine the appropriate treatment and control their lives. If they suspect they may have ADHD, or if a family member or friend has suggested it, getting a diagnosis can aid them in managing their symptoms.
The first thing patients should discuss their concerns with the GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they affect your daily life. The GP will then direct them to a specialist mental health professional who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be a psychiatrist who has completed specialist training in this area. This is important because it lets the psychiatrist be sure that they're applying the correct criteria to determine ADHD.
The psychiatrist will conduct an interview with the patient and often will ask them to bring their partner, or close friends and relatives who know them well. They'll also have to look at the patient's medical and psychiatric history from childhood onwards. They will also take into account the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the patient's lifestyle. adhd private assessment or blood test cannot confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need to take into account all available information available.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient doesn't meet all the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will be able to explain why. It could be that the patient hasn't given sufficient detail about their difficulties, or it might be that a different condition is responsible for their behavior more effectively than ADHD. It could also be that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's difficulties result from something else rather than ADHD.
Some people have a harder in obtaining a diagnosis due to the prejudices of some healthcare professionals. This is especially the case if they are someone of color or assigned a female birth or not a native English speaking. The NHS is trying its best to solve this problem.
The Assessment
If you think you may have ADHD or other disorders, you should be evaluated by a health care provider who is familiar with such assessments. You could ask your doctor to refer you or check with local medical schools or hospitals to find out who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You could also seek a referral from an ADHD support group in your region.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number of, severity and duration of symptoms that affect particular areas of your life. These include school, relationships and work. You might be struggling with underachieving in school or work, or having trouble creating and maintaining relationships or being unorganized or forgetful. It is important to discuss these issues and not be afraid to take criticism.
From GPs and consultant psychiatrists There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment. 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 is able to prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
During an ADHD evaluation, you will be questioned. It is important to bring a family member along for support or as evidence. It is beneficial to write down your symptoms, and how they impact your life. The doctor will ask questions to learn about your history and how you are currently functioning. They will also conduct an examination to see whether there are any medical conditions that may be the cause of your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS can also provide a private adult adhd diagnosis however, this could take a long time because of the backed up 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. But, it is important to be aware that the quality of treatment offered by private providers varies greatly and it is vital to choose your provider carefully.
Medication
If you have been struggling with symptoms of ADHD as an adult, it is a good idea to have a full and comprehensive assessment done. This will allow you to get the right medication, and the help you require to manage the symptoms. There are a variety of private providers that offer this service. If you decide to choose one of them, it is crucial to investigate the reputation of the psychiatrist, their training and experience managing neurodevelopmental disorders.
A large 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 said that this diagnosis "made everything seem to make sense". However, despite an increase in awareness, NHS waiting lists remain jam-packed with people who want to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
In the end doctors are often 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 not be able to find a clinician with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions. In some areas, this is further exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff may be tasked with other care requirements, like mental health assessments.
There is also a perception that some private companies that offer ADHD assessments are over-diagnosing adults with the condition, which could cause severe harm to some people. This concern was raised by the BBC Panorama program and there is an urgent need to improve accessibility for ADHD assessments.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is possible to treat it with a combination of treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant medications such as amphetamine and methylphenidate can be used to improve the ability to control impulses and attention and control, while non-stimulants with slower effects like atomoxetine are helpful in enhancing focus and productivity.
Certain patients choose only the behavioural approach and do not require medication. For those who require medication, a post-diagnostic plan of care can be formulated at Priory. This will include a thorough report and titration for the final dose which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can have significant financial and human costs. This is why it's vital that a psychiatric assessment and treatment program is made available to all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medication, psychological and practical support as well as family therapy, if needed. This should also extend to the workplace and family members on how to better manage and assist an adult with ADHD in their daily lives.
The first step is to interview with an expert in mental health care who is certified to evaluate ADHD and related conditions. Patients are required to bring a written list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health issues to the first appointment. This interview will examine the patient's medical and mental health history and their family history. It will also look at the impact of ADHD on the person's daily life and relationships.
In this process, the doctor will verify that the symptoms are in line 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 at work) of the person's daily life. It should interfere with the person's normal functioning and cause a lot of distress. This could take the form a difficulty in keeping a job or managing finances or marriage or school problems, or their overall quality of living.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are experts on how the brain works however they are not able to prescribe medications, so cannot recommend counseling. Psychologists are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD and may prescribe medications if necessary.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient with ADHD requires medication, he or she will prescribe a prescription to a local pharmacist. This is done under the supervision of the doctor and must be completed within three months after the private assessment to ensure that the person is able to fully adjusted to their final dose of medication. If the GP accepts to continue NHS prescribing following the private ADHD assessment the Psychiatrist will provide them with a complete report and treatment recommendations, and will create a Shared Care Agreement with the GP.