ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
For people to get an accurate diagnosis for ADHD the NHS requires a thorough evaluation. The BBC investigation highlighted that some private clinics may be distributing unreliable diagnoses and inappropriate medication.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms that are severe, their duration and impact. The physician will interview and analyze the patient's medical, mental health and family history.
Diagnosis
Adults who experience symptoms that they believe could be ADHD should look for a diagnosis in order to find the appropriate treatment and control their life. If they feel they have ADHD, or if someone in their family or a friend has suggested it, getting an assessment can aid them in managing their symptoms.
The first thing that patients need to discuss their issues with a GP. They should tell them about their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. The GP will refer them to an experienced mental health professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist must be one who has completed specialized training in this area. This is crucial because it lets the psychiatrist be certain that they are applying the correct criteria to determine ADHD.
The psychiatrist will request that the patient bring their spouse or family members and acquaintances who are familiar with them. They will also need to look at the patient's medical and mental background from childhood to now. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the patient's daily life. There is no blood test or brain scan that can confirm the ADHD diagnosis The psychiatrist will need to assess all of the information available.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient does not meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain their reasoning. It could be because the patient did not provide sufficient information about their difficulties or that another condition could be more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. It could also be that the psychiatrist feels that the patient's difficulties are caused by something else and not the ADHD condition.
Some people have a difficult to receive a correct diagnosis because of the prejudices of some healthcare professionals. This is particularly true if you are a person who is of color or a woman who was born, or do not speak English natively. The NHS is trying its best to tackle this problem.
The Assessment
If you think you may be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, you should seek an evaluation by a health care provider who is experienced in these assessments. You could ask your doctor to refer you 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 local area.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number severity, duration and severity of symptoms that impact specific areas of your life. These can include work, school and relationships. You might experience issues that result in you not performing in school or work, difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or unorganized. It is essential to discuss these problems openly and not be hesitant to speak out against the fear of criticism.
There are a variety of healthcare professionals that are able to conduct an ADHD assessment, from GP's to consultant psychiatrists. However, to provide a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD, it must be conducted by a qualified Psychiatrist, or a Prescriber qualified specialist nurse. Only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for ADHD.
You are usually questioned during an ADHD evaluation, and it is important to bring an adult family member to provide support or evidence. private adhd assessments is important to write your symptoms and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask you questions to collect details about your past and current condition. They will also conduct an examination to see whether there are any medical conditions that could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms.
You can also obtain an adult adhd private diagnosis through the NHS however it may take an extended time due to the clogged NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for a private treatment and evaluation through the "Right to Choose" option is more convenient. However, it is important to be aware that the quality of care offered by private providers is a lot different and it is vital that you choose carefully.
Medication
If you have been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in adulthood it is a good idea to have a full and comprehensive assessment done. This will help you get the right medication, and the help you require to manage the symptoms. There are many private providers who offer this service. If you decide to choose one of them, it is essential to investigate the reputation of the psychiatrist, their education and experience managing neurodevelopmental disorders.
A large number of public figures have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. For instance, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and stated that her diagnosis "made everything make sense". But, despite increasing awareness, NHS waiting lists remain jam-packed with people wanting to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Therefore doctors are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD. This is largely because they don't have the time or resources, and in some cases, they may not be able find a clinician who has expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders. In certain areas, NHS staff might have to handle other requirements like mental health assessments.
Many people believe that private companies offering ADHD assessments are too quick to diagnose those suffering from the condition. This can have devastating consequences for some. This concern was raised by the BBC Panorama program and there is a pressing need to improve accessibility for ADHD assessments.
Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder with the combination of behavioural therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate are used to enhance concentration and control of impulses, while slower acting non-stimulants such as atomoxetine could be beneficial in improving concentration and productivity.
Some patients only choose treatment for behavioural issues, and do not need medication. Priory can put together an after-diagnostic care plan for patients who require medication. This will include a comprehensive report and titration for the final dose, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic care
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a significant one for both the human and financial costs. It is crucial to provide a psychiatric evaluation and treatment plan for all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medications, psychological and practical support and family therapy where appropriate. This should also extend to the workplace and family members on how to better manage and assist an adult with ADHD in their daily lives.
The first step is an interview with a mental health professional who is certified to evaluate ADHD or other conditions. Patients are required to bring a written list of their symptoms and any other mental health concerns to the initial appointment. This interview will review the patient's medical, psychiatric and family history. It will also examine the effects of ADHD on the individual's daily life and relationships.
In this process, the doctor will verify that the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must be present in two settings of the person's life (either home or work). It must interfere with their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This can take the form of difficulties in securing a job, coping with finances or marriage, problems in school or their general quality of life.
There are a range of professionals that can carry out an assessment for ADHD, including Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists are trained in the functioning of the brain, however they cannot prescribe medication. They can only provide counseling. Psychologists can diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication when needed.
If the Psychiatrist determines that the patient with ADHD does need medication they will prescribe the medication and send it to the local pharmacy. This is done under the supervision of the Psychiatrist and should be completed within three months of the private assessment to ensure that the patient is able to fully titrated into their final dosage of medication. If the GP is in agreement to continue prescribing ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD assessment the Psychiatrist can write a detailed report with treatment recommendations. They will also draw up a Shared Care Agreement.