ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
To give people an accurate diagnosis of ADHD, the NHS requires a thorough evaluation. The BBC investigation found that some private clinics might be handing inaccurate diagnoses and prescribing inappropriate medication.
A valid diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number, severity, duration and impact of symptoms. The physician will interview the patient and go over the medical or psychiatric history, as well as family and personal history.
Diagnosis
Adults with symptoms they believe could be ADHD should seek a diagnosis to find the right treatment and gain control of their lives. If they are aware that they may have the condition, or had a friend or family member suggest they might have it, getting the right diagnosis can allow them to find the treatments and support to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
The first thing patients need to do is discuss their concerns with the GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they impact your daily routine. The doctor will recommend them to a specialist mental health professional who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be a skilled psychiatrist who has had special training in this area. This is important as it means that the psychiatrist can be sure that they are applying the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will talk to the patient and often will ask them to bring their partner, or close family members and friends who know them well. They will also need to look at the patient's medical and mental background from childhood to now. They will also take into account the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the patient's lifestyle. A brain scan or blood test cannot confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will have to take into account all available information.
If the psychiatrist does not believe that the patient meets all the criteria required for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will explain the reasons. It could be because the patient has not given enough detail about their issues, or it might be that a different condition is responsible for their behavior better than ADHD. Alternatively, it might be the case that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's difficulties are caused by something else and not due to the condition.
Certain people have a tougher to receive a correct diagnosis due to the prejudices of some healthcare medical professionals. This can be especially the case if they are a person of colour or assigned a female birth, or are not an English speaking. The NHS is working hard to tackle this problem.
The Assessment
If you think you may be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, you should seek an evaluation by a health care provider who is familiar with such assessments. You could ask your doctor for a referral or check with the local medical schools or hospitals to determine the professionals who are qualified for an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also contact a local ADHD support group for a referral.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number of, severity and duration of symptoms that affect particular areas of your life. This includes relationships, school and work. There are many reasons to be concerned about underachieving in school or work, or having trouble forming and maintaining relationships, or being unorganized or forgetful. It is essential to discuss these issues in a candid manner and not hide from fear of being criticized.
There are a myriad of healthcare professionals that can carry out an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultants psychiatrists. However, in order to provide a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD it must be performed by a qualified Psychiatrist, or a Prescriber Qualified Specialist Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist is qualified to prescribe medication for ADHD.
You are usually questioned during an ADHD evaluation and it is essential to bring someone from your family to offer support or to show evidence. It is helpful to note your symptoms and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask questions to gather information about your background and your current functioning. They will also check your body to determine if there are any medical conditions which could be causing symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS can also offer a private adult adhd diagnosis however this could take a very long time due to the backed up NHS waiting lists. Some people find that paying out of pocket for a private treatment and assessment through the "Right to Choose" option is more convenient. However, it is important to keep in mind that the quality of care from private providers varies greatly and it is crucial that you choose carefully.
Medication
If you've struggled with symptoms of ADHD in your adulthood it is a good idea to get a thorough and comprehensive assessment done. This will allow you to find the right medication and the support that you require to manage your symptoms. There are a variety of private providers who provide this service. If you decide to use one of them, it is essential that you research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their education and experience managing neurodevelopmental disorders.
A large number of celebrities have been open about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. private adhd assessment , the host of the Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. She claimed that the diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". NHS waiting lists are still full despite increasing awareness.
In the end, GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services in the event of a private diagnosis of ADHD. This is mainly because they lack the time and, in some cases, they may be unable to locate a specialist who is skilled in neurodevelopmental disorders. In some areas, this is further exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff are often tasked with other care requirements, like mental health assessments.
Some people also believe that private providers of ADHD assessments are unable to accurately diagnose those suffering from the condition. This could have devastating effects for some. This issue was brought up 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 the combination of treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. The stimulant medications like amphetamine and methylphenidate can be used to improve attention and impulse control and control, while non-stimulants with slower effects such as atomoxetine could be beneficial in improving concentration and productivity.
Some patients prefer to employ behavioural therapy and do not require medication. For those who need to take medication, a post-diagnostic package of care could be put together at Priory. This will include a thorough report and titration of the final dose that can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a significant one for both the human and financial costs. It is important to provide a psychiatric evaluation and treatment plan for all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medications, psychological and practical assistance and family therapy when appropriate. This should also extend to family and workplace education about how to better manage and support an adult with ADHD in their daily life.
The first step is an interview with an expert in mental health care who is trained to assess ADHD and related conditions. Patients must bring a list of 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 and their family history. It will also discuss how ADHD symptoms affect the individual's daily functioning and their relationships.
During this examination, the doctor will make sure whether the symptoms match 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 affect the person's normal functioning and cause distress. This can be in the form a difficulty in keeping a job or coping with finances or marriage or school problems, or in their overall quality of life.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals that can conduct an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are trained in the function of the brain, but they are unable to prescribe medications. They are able to provide advice. Psychiatrists can diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication when necessary.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient with ADHD requires medication, they will write a prescription for an area pharmacist. This is under the supervision and direction of the Psychiatrist. It should be completed within three months after the private assessment. This will allow the patient to fully adjust to their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue NHS prescribing after the private ADHD assessment, the Psychiatrist will provide them with an extensive report and treatment recommendations and will draw up a Shared Care Agreement with the GP.