ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough assessment in order to get a proper ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation highlighted that some private clinics could be handing out incorrect diagnoses and medications.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms, their severity, duration and impact. The doctor will interview and examine the patient's medical, psychiatric and family medical history.
Diagnosis
For adults who feel they have symptoms that may be connected to ADHD being diagnosed is a key step to finding a treatment and gaining control of their lives. If they suspect they may have ADHD, or if someone in their family or a friend has suggested it, obtaining an assessment can aid them in managing their symptoms.
The first thing patients need to do is discuss their concerns with a GP. Inform them of your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. The GP will refer them to an experienced mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be an experienced psychiatrist who has received special training in this area. This is essential because it allows the psychiatrist to be certain that they are using the right criteria to determine ADHD.
The psychiatrist will request that the patient bring their spouse or close family members and friends who are familiar with them. They will also have to examine the patient's medical history as well as psychiatric past, starting from childhood. They will also be looking at the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the patient's life. There is no blood test or brain scan that can confirm an ADHD diagnosis, so the psychiatrist will need to assess all the available information.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient doesn't meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain their reasoning. 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 problems are due to something else, rather than ADHD.
Some people find it harder to obtain a diagnosis due to the prejudices held by some health professionals. This is particularly the case if they are someone of color or a woman born at birth or not a native English speaking. However there is an increasing awareness of the issue and the NHS is working to address the issue.
The Assessment
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, you should seek an evaluation by a healthcare professional who has experience in such evaluations. You can ask your doctor for a referral or check with the local medical schools or hospitals to find out the professionals who are qualified for an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also request a referral from an ADHD support group in your region.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount of, severity and duration of symptoms that affect specific areas of your life. These include relationships, school and work. You may have problems with underachieving in school or working, having difficulties forming and maintaining relationships, or being unorganized or forgetful. It is important to discuss these issues in a candid manner and not hold back from the fear of being criticized.
There are many different 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 a Prescriber Certified Specialist Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication for ADHD.
During an ADHD assessment you will be interviewed. It is crucial to bring a family member to help or provide evidence. It is also helpful to note down your symptoms and how they have impacted your life. The doctor will ask questions to discover more about your history and how you are functioning. They will also look at your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS can also offer an adult adhd diagnosis privately, but this can take a very long time due to the backed up NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pocket for an assessment and treatment that is private through the 'Right To Choose' pathway. It is important to remember that the quality and price of private care can vary significantly.
Medication
If you've struggled with symptoms of ADHD in adulthood, it is a good idea to get a thorough and thorough evaluation done. This will help you receive the correct medication and the help you require to manage your symptoms. There are a variety of private companies that offer this service, but if you choose to go this route it is essential to research the reputation of the chosen psychiatrist and the level of their knowledge and training with neurodevelopmental disorders.
A large number of public figures have been open about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. For example, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and said that her diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". NHS waiting lists are still crowded despite increasing awareness.
As a result doctors are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services in the event of a private diagnosis of ADHD. In part, this is because they don't have the time, and in some cases they may not be able find a clinician who has expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders. In certain areas, the NHS personnel may be required to address other needs like mental health assessments.
There are those who believe that private providers of ADHD assessments over-diagnose those suffering from the condition. This can have devastating effects for certain. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue, and there is a pressing need to improve access to specialized ADHD assessments.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD and you've been diagnosed, you can treat it by combining treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate can be used to improve focus and productivity, while non-stimulants that are slower-acting like atomoxetine can be beneficial for improving attention and impulse control.
Some patients opt for behavioural therapy and do not require medication. Priory can create a post-diagnostic treatment package for patients who require medication. This includes a detailed medical report, as well as a titration for the final dose, which could be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic care
A diagnosis of ADHD could result in significant human and financial costs. It is crucial to conduct a psychiatric assessment and treatment program for all adults with ADHD. This should include medication as well as psychological and practical support as well as therapy for families if it is appropriate. This should include family and workplace information on how to best support and manage an adult with ADHD.
The first step is to interview with a mental health professional who is certified to evaluate ADHD and other related disorders. Patients are required to bring a written list of their symptoms and any other mental health issues prior to their first appointment. This interview will examine the patient's medical and mental health history, as well as their family history. It will also discuss how ADHD symptoms impact the patient's daily life and relationships.
During this procedure the doctor will confirm that the symptoms match the criteria for ADHD defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must be present in two places of the individual's life (either home or work). It must affect their normal functioning and result in significant distress or impairment. This can take the form of a problem in keeping a job or coping with finances or marriage or school problems, or in their overall quality of life.
There is a wide range of professionals who can perform an assessment for ADHD, including Psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists are educated in the functioning of the brain, however they are unable to prescribe medications. They are able adhd assessment private uk to provide counselling. Psychiatrists are fully qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD, and can offer medications if required.
If the Psychiatrist determines that the person with ADHD is in need of medication they will prescribe the medication and send it to the local pharmacy. This is under the supervision and guidance by the Psychiatrist. The procedure should be completed within three months from the private assessment. This will allow the individual to fully adjust their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD assessment the Psychiatrist can write a detailed report with treatment recommendations. They can also draw up the Shared Care Agreement.