ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough evaluation in order to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation found that some private clinics might be handing inaccurate diagnoses and prescribing inappropriate medications.
A valid diagnosis for ADHD is based on the number, severity, duration and impact of symptoms. The clinician will interview the individual and go over the medical, psychiatric, family, and personal background.
Diagnosis
If you are an adult who believes that you have symptoms that could be related to ADHD, getting a diagnosis is an essential step towards finding a treatment and gaining control over their lives. If they suspect they may have ADHD or a family member or friend has suggested it, obtaining the diagnosis will aid them in managing their symptoms.
The first thing that patients need to discuss their issues with the GP. Tell them about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The GP will recommend them to a skilled mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be an experienced psychiatrist who has undergone special training in this area. This is essential because it lets the psychiatrist be sure that they're applying the correct criteria to determine ADHD.
The psychiatrist will ask the patient to bring their partner or close family members and friends who are familiar to them. They'll 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 have affected the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test can't confirm the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need to take into account all available information available.
If the psychiatrist does not think that the patient is meeting all the criteria required for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will explain the reason. It could be because the patient hasn't provided sufficient details about their problems, or it might be that another medical condition is responsible for their behavior better than ADHD. It could also be that the doctor believes that the patient's issues stem from something else, rather than ADHD.
Some people find it harder to get a proper diagnosis due to the prejudices held by some healthcare professionals. This is especially the case if they're someone of color or a woman born at birth or not a native English speaking. The NHS is working hard to tackle this problem.
The Assessment
If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other disorders, you should be evaluated by a medical professional who is familiar with such assessments. You can ask your doctor for a recommendation or check with local university-based hospitals or medical schools to determine who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You may also ask an individual from your local ADHD support group for an appointment.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number, severity and duration of the symptoms in particular areas of one's life. This includes relationships, school and work. You might be struggling with not performing well in school or at working, having difficulties making and maintaining relationships, or being unorganized or forgetful. It is essential to discuss these issues in a candid manner and not be hesitant to speak out against fear of being criticized.
From GPs to consultant psychiatrists There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment. To provide a formal diagnosis of ADHD it should be carried out by a qualified Psychiatrist or a qualified Prescriber Special Nurse. This is because only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
In the course of an ADHD assessment you will be questioned. It is essential to bring a family member to help or provide evidence. It is helpful to note the symptoms you experience and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask you questions to gather information about your history and your current functioning. They will also look at your body to determine if you have any medical conditions which could be causing symptoms of ADHD.
You can also obtain an adult adhd private diagnosis through the NHS however, it could take a long time due to the long NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for private treatment and evaluation through the "Right to Choose" pathway is easier. It is important to remember that the quality and price of private treatment can vary significantly.
Medication
It is a good thing to get a comprehensive and full assessment if you struggle with ADHD symptoms into adulthood. This will allow you to get the right medication and the assistance you require to manage your symptoms. There are numerous private companies that offer this service but, should you decide to go this route it is essential to look into the reputation of the chosen psychiatrist and their expertise and training in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders.
A large number of celebrities have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. Sue Perkins, the host of the Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. private adhd assessment online claimed that the diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". NHS waiting lists are still full despite increased awareness.
As a result, GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services for a private diagnosis of ADHD. This is largely because they don't have the time, and in certain cases, they may not be able to find a specialist who is knowledgeable in neurodevelopmental disorders. In certain areas, this is exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff are often assigned other needs like mental health assessments.
There is also a perception that certain private companies that offer ADHD assessments are over-diagnosing adults with the condition, which could result in devastating consequences for certain people. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue, and there is a pressing need to increase accessibility to specialist ADHD assessments.
If you've been diagnosed as having ADHD, you can treat it with a combination of behavioural therapy and medication. Stimulant medications such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are utilized to improve concentration and control of impulses and control, while non-stimulants with slower effects like atomoxetine are helpful in enhancing concentration and productivity.
Some patients choose to only utilize behavioural therapy and do not require medication. However, for those who require medication, a post-diagnostic package of care could be formulated at Priory. This includes a detailed medical report, as well as a titration for the final dose, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD may result in significant human and financial costs. It is essential 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 if needed. This should include family and workplace training on how to better support and manage an adult suffering from ADHD.
The first step is an interview with an expert in mental health who is trained to assess ADHD and related conditions. 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 review the patient's medical, psychiatric, and family background. It will also examine how the ADHD symptoms affect the individual's daily functioning and how they affect their relationships.
During this process 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 environments (home or work) of the person's daily life. It must interfere with their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This could take the form a difficulty in securing a job, coping with finances or marriage or school problems, or their general quality of life.
There are a variety of professionals who perform an assessment for ADHD such as Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists are experts on the way that brains work, but are not qualified to prescribe medications, so can only recommend counselling. Psychologists are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD, and can offer medication if needed.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the person with ADHD does need medication, they will prescribe the medication and send 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 individual is able to fully adjusted to their final dose of medication. If the GP accepts to continue to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD assessment the Psychiatrist can provide a comprehensive report with treatment recommendations. They can also draw up an agreement known as a Shared Care Agreement.