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 found that some private clinics might be handing out unreliable diagnosis and inappropriate medication.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on the symptoms, their severity, duration, and impact. The doctor will interview the patient and review the medical, psychiatric, family, and personal history.
Diagnosis
For those who believe they are suffering from symptoms that could be connected to ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step in finding a treatment and gaining control over their lives. If they are aware that they may have the condition, or have been told by a family member or friend that a member suggest that they might have it, getting the right diagnosis can allow them to find the treatment and support needed to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
Patients must first discuss their issues with a GP. They should tell them about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. The doctor will refer them to an experienced mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist should be one who has completed specialist training in this area. This is crucial because it means that the psychiatrist can be confident that they have used the correct criteria for diagnosing ADHD.
The psychiatrist will ask the patient to bring their spouse or close family members and friends who are familiar to them. They will also need to consider the patient's medical history and psychiatric past, starting from childhood. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and their effects on the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test will not confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need take into consideration all available information.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient does not meet all the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses and will then explain their reasoning. It could be because the patient didn't provide sufficient information about their problems or another medical condition is more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. It could also be that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's problems stem from something else, and not ADHD.
Certain people have a tougher in obtaining a diagnosis because of the prejudices of some healthcare experts. This is especially the case if they're someone of color or a woman born at birth, or are not an English speaking. The NHS is doing its best to solve this problem.
The Assessment
If you're concerned that you might be suffering from ADHD you should get an assessment from a health care professional who has experience in conducting such assessments. You may ask your physician to recommend a specialist or check with local university-based hospitals or medical schools to find out who is qualified to perform an ADHD evaluation for adults. You may also ask a local ADHD support group for a referral.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the amount, severity and duration of symptoms in particular areas of your life. These include relationships, school and work. You might be struggling with not performing well in school or at work, or having trouble creating and maintaining relationships or being forgetful or unorganised. It is important to discuss these issues in a candid manner and not be hesitant to speak out against fear of criticism.
There are many different healthcare professionals who are able to conduct an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultants psychiatrists. To make a formal diagnosis of ADHD it must be done either by a qualified Psychiatrist, or a Special Nurse who is a Prescriber Qualified. This is because only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
In an ADHD assessment, you will be questioned. adhd private assessment is essential to bring a family member with you to provide support or evidence. It is also helpful to write down your symptoms and how they have affected your life. The doctor will ask you questions to find out more about your history and how you are functioning. They will also check your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD.
You can also access an adult adhd private diagnosis through the NHS, but it can take an extended time due to the logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pocket for a private assessment and treatment through the 'Right To Choose route. It is important to keep in mind that the quality and price of private treatment can vary dramatically.
Medication
If you have been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in your adulthood it is a good idea to have a complete and thorough assessment. This will enable you to receive the correct medication and support you need to manage your symptoms. There are many private providers who provide this service. If you choose to go with one of them, it is essential that you research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their training and experience in dealing neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a number of prominent people 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 stated that this diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". However, despite the increasing awareness, NHS waiting lists remain full of people who want a proper diagnosis and treatment.
To avoid this, doctors often hesitate to refer their patients to specialist services in order to obtain a private ADHD diagnosis. This is due to the fact that they do not have the time or resources and, in some cases, they may be unable to locate a doctor who is skilled in neurodevelopmental disorders. In some areas, this is made worse by the fact that NHS staff are often assigned other needs such as mental health assessments.
There is also a perception among some private companies offering ADHD assessments are prone to over-diagnosing adults with the condition, and this can have devastating consequences for some people. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue and there is a pressing need to increase access to specialist ADHD assessments.
Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder by using the combination of behavioural therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs such as amphetamine or methylphenidate can be utilized to boost concentration and productivity, whereas non-stimulants with a slower onset like atomoxetine are useful for improving the ability to concentrate and control impulses.
Some patients prefer to utilize behavioural therapy and do not require medication. However, 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 that can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD may have significant financial and human costs. This is why it is so important that a psychiatric evaluation and treatment programme be accessible to all adults with ADHD. This should include medication and practical and psychological support and family therapy, if needed. This should include workplace and family training on how to better assist and manage an adult with ADHD.
The first step is to schedule an interview with a mental health professional who is certified to assess ADHD or other disorders. Patients are required to be prepared to bring a written record of their symptoms and any other mental health issues prior to their first appointment. This interview will review the patient's medical, psychiatric, and family background. It will also look at how ADHD symptoms affect the individual's daily functioning and their relationships.
In this process, the doctor will verify that the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must manifest in two different settings (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 of difficulties in keeping a job or coping with finances or marriage or school issues, or their overall quality of life.
There are a range of professionals who conduct an assessment for ADHD such as Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists are experts on how the brain functions, but are not qualified to prescribe medications, so can only recommend counselling. Psychologists are fully trained to diagnose and treat ADHD and may prescribe medications if necessary.
If the Psychiatrist decides that the person with ADHD does need medication, they will write a prescription and supply it to a local pharmacy. This is done under the supervision of the 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 is willing to continue NHS prescribing following the private ADHD assessment, the Psychiatrist will provide them with an extensive report and treatment recommendations and will create a Shared Care Agreement with the GP.