ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that people undergo a thorough evaluation in order to receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation found that some private clinics might be handing out unreliable diagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
A legitimate diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity, number of, duration and impact of symptoms. The physician will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and family medical history.
Diagnosis
Adults who have symptoms they believe might be ADHD should look for a diagnosis in order to find the appropriate treatment and take control of their life. Whether they have an instinct that they might have the condition, or have been told by a family member or friend that a member suggest 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 should first discuss their concerns with an GP. private adhd assessment should tell them about their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. The doctor will recommend them to a skilled mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be psychiatrist who has undergone specialist training in this area. This is essential because it lets the psychiatrist be certain that they are applying the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will ask the patient to bring their spouse or close family members and friends who are familiar with them. They will also need to consider the patient's medical and mental history from childhood onwards. They will also take into account the severity of the symptoms and how they have affected the patient's lifestyle. There isn't a brain scan or blood test that can confirm an ADHD diagnosis The psychiatrist must evaluate all the available information.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient doesn't meet all the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will be able to explain why. It could be that the patient hasn't provided sufficient details about their problems or 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 may be due to a different cause and not due to the condition.
Some people have a harder to receive a correct diagnosis because of the prejudices of some healthcare professionals. This is particularly relevant if you're someone of color or a woman who was born, or do not speak English natively. However there is an increasing awareness of this problem and the NHS is working on tackling the issue.
The Assessment
If you are concerned that you might have ADHD you should seek an assessment from a health care professional who has experience in conducting these assessments. You can ask your doctor for a referral or consult with local hospitals affiliated with universities or medical schools to determine who is qualified to perform an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also ask the local ADHD support group for recommendations.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number, severity and duration of symptoms that impact specific areas of your life. This includes relationships, school and work. You may have problems with being unable to perform at school or at work, having difficulty creating and maintaining relationships or being unorganized or forgetful. It is essential to discuss these issues in a candid manner and not hold back from the fear of criticism.
There are a myriad of healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultant psychiatrists. To make a formal diagnosis of ADHD it must be done either by a Psychiatrist who is qualified or a qualified Prescriber Special Nurse. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
In the course of an ADHD assessment you will be interviewed. It is crucial to bring a family member along for support or as evidence. It is beneficial to write down your symptoms, and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask questions to find out more about your history and how you are currently functioning. They will also examine your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that may be causing symptoms of ADHD.
You can also access an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS however it may take a long time due to the logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pocket for private assessments and treatments via the 'Right to Choice option. It is important to keep in mind that the quality and price of private healthcare can differ significantly.
Medication
If you have been struggling with symptoms of ADHD as an adult it is a great idea to have a full and thorough assessment. This will enable you to receive the right medication and the support you need to manage your symptoms. There are a variety of private providers of this service. However, if you choose to go down this route it is essential to look into the reputation of your chosen psychiatrist and their training and experience in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a number of celebrities have opened up 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 jam-packed with people wanting to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
As a result, GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD. This is mainly because they do not have the time and in certain instances they may not be able to find a clinician 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.
Many people believe that private providers of ADHD assessments are too quick to diagnose people suffering from the condition. This could have devastating effects for certain. The BBC Panorama programme raised this concern and there is a dire need to improve access to specialized ADHD assessments.
If you've been given a personal diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder using the combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Stimulant medications such as amphetamine and methylphenidate can be utilized to improve concentration and control of impulses and control, while non-stimulants with slower effects such as atomoxetine can be helpful in enhancing concentration and productivity.
Some patients only choose the behavioural approach and do not require medication. However, for those who require medication, a post-diagnostic program of care could be put together at Priory. This includes a detailed medical report and titration of the final dose, which could be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can result in significant human and financial costs. This is why it's crucial that a psychiatric evaluation and treatment program be accessible to all adults with ADHD. This should include medications, psychological and practical support and family therapy when appropriate. This should also include 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 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 to the initial appointment. The interview will look into the patient's medical and psychiatric history as well as their family history. It will also discuss how the ADHD symptoms affect the individual's daily life and relationships.
During this procedure the doctor will confirm that the symptoms meet 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 should interfere with the person's normal functioning and cause a lot of distress. This can take the form of a problem finding a job or coping with finances or marriage or school problems, or their general quality of life.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment. Psychologists know how the brain functions, but are not qualified to prescribe medications, so can only suggest counselling. Psychologists are able to diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication when needed.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the person with ADHD requires medication, they will prescribe the medication and send it to the local pharmacy. This is under the supervision of a Psychiatrist and must be completed within three months from the private assessment to ensure that the person has time to be fully adjusted to their final dose of medication. If the GP agrees to continue NHS prescribing following the private ADHD assessment, the Psychiatrist will provide them with an extensive report and treatment recommendations, and will draw up an Shared Care Agreement with the GP.