ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that people undergo a thorough examination in order to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation revealed that a few private clinics could be handing out incorrect diagnoses and medications.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms and their severity, duration, and impact. The doctor will interview the patient and go over the medical or psychiatric history, as well as family and personal background.
Diagnosis
Adults who experience symptoms that they believe might be ADHD should look for a diagnosis in order to find the appropriate treatment and control their lives. If they suspect they may have ADHD, or if they have a family member or a friend who has suggested it, an assessment can aid in managing their symptoms.
The first thing patients must do is discuss their concerns with a GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they affect your daily routine. The GP will recommend them to a skilled mental health professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist is one who has undergone specialist training in this field. This is crucial because it means that the psychiatrist can be sure that they are using the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will ask the patient to bring their spouse or family members and acquaintances who are familiar with them. They will also need to examine the patient's medical and mental background from childhood to now. They will also have to consider the severity of the symptoms and how they have affected the patient's lifestyle. There isn't a blood test or brain scan that can be used to confirm an ADHD diagnosis, so the psychiatrist must evaluate all of the information available.
If the psychiatrist does not feel that the patient meets all the criteria required for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reason. It could be that the patient has not given sufficient details about their problems or that a different condition is responsible for their behaviour better than ADHD. It could also be that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's problems stem from something else, rather than ADHD.
Some people are unable to receive a correct diagnosis because of the prejudices of certain healthcare professionals. This is especially the case if you're an individual of color or a woman who was born, or do not speak English natively. However there is a growing awareness of the issue and the NHS is trying to tackle it.
The Assessment
If you're concerned that you may have ADHD you should get an assessment from a medical care professional who has experience in conducting these tests. You can ask your doctor to refer you or check with local medical schools or hospitals to find out the professionals who are qualified for 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 severity, number, and duration of symptoms in certain areas of your life. This could include school, work and relationships. There are times when you may face problems in the form of underachieving in your education or at work, difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships, and being unorganized or unorganized. It is important to discuss these issues in a candid manner and not be hesitant to speak out against fear of criticism.
There are a myriad of healthcare professionals that are able to conduct an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultants psychiatrists. However, in order to provide a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD, it must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist, or Prescriber qualified specialist nurse. This is because only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication for the treatment of ADHD.
In an ADHD evaluation, you will be questioned. It is important to bring a family member to help or provide evidence. It is beneficial to write your symptoms and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask you questions to collect information about your background and your current functioning. They will also examine you to see whether there are any medical conditions that may be responsible for your ADHD symptoms.
You can also obtain an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS however, it could take some time due to the clogged NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for a private treatment or assessment via 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 recommended to get a comprehensive and thorough assessment if are struggling with ADHD symptoms into adulthood. This will allow you to find the right medication and the help you need to manage symptoms. There are many private companies who provide this service. If you decide to choose one of them, it is crucial that you research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their education and experience dealing neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a lot of public figures have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD. For example, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and stated that the diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". However, despite the increasing awareness, NHS waiting lists remain full of people wanting to receive 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 mainly because they do not have the time or resources and, in some cases they may not be able to locate a doctor with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions. In certain areas, this is exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff are often tasked with other care requirements, like mental health assessments.
Many people believe that private companies offering ADHD assessments over-diagnose adults with the condition. This can have devastating effects for certain. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue and there is a dire need to increase access to specialist ADHD tests.
If you've been given a personal diagnosis of ADHD, it is possible to treat the disorder with a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate can be utilized to improve concentration and control of impulses, while slower acting non-stimulants like atomoxetine are beneficial in improving focus and productivity.
Some patients choose to only employ behavioural therapy and do not require medication. Priory can put together a post-diagnostic care package for those who require medication. This includes a detailed medical report and titration of the final dosage, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic care
A diagnosis of ADHD can have significant financial and human costs. This is why it's so important that a psychiatric evaluation and treatment program is made available to all adults with ADHD. This should include medication as well as psychological and practical support and family therapy if needed. This should also extend to workplace and family education on how to better manage and assist an adult with ADHD in their daily life.
www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-assessments/ is to schedule an interview with a mental health professional who is qualified to assess ADHD or other conditions. Patients should bring a list of their symptoms and any other mental health concerns they have to this first appointment. The interview will cover the patient's medical, mental health and family history. It will also look at how the ADHD symptoms affect the individual's daily functioning and their relationships.
During this procedure the doctor will ensure that the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom has to be present in two places of the person's daily life (either home or work). It must interfere with their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This may be in the form of difficulty keeping a job, trouble in marriage, or having to deal with financial issues, difficulties at school or in their overall level of living.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals that can conduct an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are trained in the function of the brain, however they are not able to prescribe medication. They can only provide counseling. Psychologists are fully trained to diagnose and treat ADHD, and can offer medications if required.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the person has ADHD requires medication, he or she will prescribe a prescription to an area pharmacist. This is under the supervision of a psychiatrist and must be completed within three months after the private assessment to ensure that the individual is able to be titrated into their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue prescribing ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD assessment, the Psychiatrist will provide a thorough report with treatment recommendations. They will also draft a Shared Care Agreement.