ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
For people to get a proper diagnosis for ADHD, the NHS requires a thorough assessment. The BBC investigation highlighted that some private clinics might be distributing inaccurate diagnoses and prescriptions.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms and their severity, duration and impact. The clinician will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and family background.
Diagnosis
If you are an adult who believes that you have symptoms that may be related to ADHD being diagnosed is the first step in getting treatment and taking control of their lives. Whether they have an instinct that they might have the disorder, or have been told by a family member or friend that a member suggest they might be suffering from it, getting the right diagnosis can help them find the appropriate treatment and help to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
Patients should first discuss their concerns with a GP. Tell them about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The doctor will refer them to a seasoned mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist must be a psychiatrist who has completed specialized training in this area. This is crucial since it means that the psychiatrist can be confident that they are using the correct criteria for diagnosing ADHD.
The psychiatrist will conduct an interview with the patient and often request their spouse or close friends and relatives who are familiar with them. They will also have to take into account the patient's medical history as well as the psychiatric history, beginning from childhood. They will also take into consideration the severity of symptoms and the effects on the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test cannot confirm the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need take into consideration all available information.
If the psychiatrist believes that the patient does not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will discuss their reasons. It could be that the patient hasn't provided sufficient details about their problems, or it might be that another condition explains their behaviour better than ADHD. It could also be that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's difficulties stem from something else, and not ADHD.
Some people are unable to receive a correct diagnosis because of the prejudices espoused by certain healthcare professionals. This is particularly true if you are someone of color, a woman at birth or don't speak English natively. However there is a growing awareness of this problem and the NHS is working on tackling it.
The Assessment
If you think you may have ADHD or other disorders, you should be evaluated by a healthcare professional who is familiar with such evaluations. You can ask your doctor for a recommendation or check with local hospitals affiliated with universities or medical schools to see who is qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. You can also request a referral from an ADHD support group in your local area.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount of, severity and duration of symptoms that impact specific areas of your life. This could include work, school and relationships. You might experience issues that result in you not performing in your education or at work or in difficulty in maintaining and forming relationships and being forgetful or disorganised. It is important to discuss these issues openly and not be hesitant to speak out against the fear of being criticized.
There are many different healthcare professionals that can conduct an ADHD assessment, from GP's to consultant psychiatrists. To make a formal diagnosis of ADHD it should be carried out either by a qualified Psychiatrist, or a Special Nurse who is a Prescriber Qualified. Only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for ADHD.
During an ADHD assessment you will be questioned. It is essential to bring a loved one with you to provide support or evidence. It is also beneficial to note down your symptoms and how they have affected your life. The doctor will ask you questions to collect information about your background and how you are doing. They will also conduct an examination to see whether there are any medical conditions that may be the cause of your ADHD symptoms.
You can also access an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS however, it could take an extended time due to the logjammed 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. But it is crucial to keep in mind that the quality of care from private providers varies greatly and it is vital to choose your provider carefully.
Medication
If you've been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in your adulthood it is a great idea to have a complete and thorough evaluation done. This will enable you to get the right medication, and the help you need to manage symptoms. There are a variety of private providers that offer this service. If you decide to choose one of them, it is important to research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their education and experience managing 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 increased awareness, NHS waiting lists remain full of people who want to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
In the end doctors are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services for a private diagnosis of ADHD. In part, this is due to the fact that they don't have the time or resources, and in some instances, they might not be able to locate 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 providers of ADHD assessments are unable to accurately diagnose adults with the condition. This can have devastating effects for some. This issue was brought up by the BBC Panorama program and there is a need to increase access to ADHD assessments.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD and you've been diagnosed, you can treat it with a combination of behavioural therapy and medication. Stimulant medications like amphetamine or methylphenidate can be employed to increase productivity and focus, while slower-acting non-stimulants like atomoxetine are beneficial for improving the ability to concentrate and control impulses.
Some patients prefer to employ behavioural therapy and do not require medication. Priory can create a post-diagnostic care package for patients who require medication. adhd private assessment will include a thorough medical report and titration of the final dose, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a significant one for both the financial and human cost. It is important to provide a psychiatric examination and treatment program for all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medication and practical and psychological assistance as well as family therapy if appropriate. This should also extend to family and workplace education about how to better manage and assist an adult with ADHD in their daily lives.
The first step is an appointment with a mental health professional who is certified to evaluate ADHD or other conditions. Patients should bring a list of their symptoms, as well as any other mental health concerns to the first appointment. This interview will examine the patient's medical and psychiatric history and their family history. It will also look at how the ADHD symptoms affect the person's daily life and relationships.
During this process the doctor will confirm that the symptoms are in line with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptoms must be present in two different environments (home or work) of the person's everyday life. It must interfere with their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This could take the form of difficulty keeping a job, trouble with marriage or coping with finances, issues at school or in their overall level of living.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. Psychologists know how the brain works however they are not able to prescribe medications, so can only recommend counselling. Psychiatrists are fully qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD and offer medications if necessary.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient has ADHD needs medication, they will prescribe a prescription to an area pharmacist. This is done under the supervision of the Psychiatrist and must be completed within three months of the private assessment to ensure that the patient has time to be fully titrated into their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue NHS prescribing following the private ADHD assessment The Psychiatrist will present them with a a comprehensive report and treatment recommendations and will draft a Shared Care Agreement with the GP.