ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that people undergo a thorough assessment in order to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation found that certain private clinics could provide incorrect diagnoses and medications.
A valid diagnosis for ADHD is based on the number, severity and duration of symptoms. The physician will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and family history.
Diagnosis
For adults who feel they have symptoms that could be connected to ADHD and are seeking a diagnosis, it is an essential step towards finding treatment and gaining control over their lives. If they are aware that they might have the condition, or have had a friend or family member suggest they might be suffering from it, getting the right diagnosis can allow them to find the appropriate treatment and help to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
The first thing that patients must discuss their issues with an GP. Tell home-page about your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. The GP will then refer them to an expert mental health professional who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be an experienced psychiatrist who has received specialist training in the area. This is important because it lets the psychiatrist be sure that they're applying the correct criteria to determine ADHD.
The psychiatrist will talk to the patient and may ask them to bring in their partner, or close friends and relatives who know them well. They will also need to take into account the patient's medical history as well as the psychiatric history, beginning from childhood. They will also have to consider the severity of the symptoms and how they have affected the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test can't confirm the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need to consider all the available information.
If the psychiatrist does not feel that the patient meets all the criteria required for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons. It could be because the patient did not give enough details about their issues or another condition could be more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. Alternatively, it might be that the psychiatrist feels that the patient's difficulties are caused by something else and not the ADHD condition.
Some people have a harder time getting a proper diagnosis due to the prejudices of some healthcare professionals. This can be especially the case when they are an individual of color or assigned a female birth or not a native English speaking. The NHS is working hard to address this problem.
The Assessment
If you think you may have ADHD, you should be evaluated by a medical professional who is experienced in these evaluations. You can ask your doctor for a referral or check with the local medical schools or hospitals to find out who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also contact an individual from your local ADHD support group for recommendations.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount severity, duration and severity of symptoms that affect specific areas of your life. These could include school, work and relationships. You may experience problems that result in you not performing in your education or at work as well as difficulties in maintaining and forming relationships, or being forgetful or unorganized. It is crucial to discuss these issues and not be afraid of criticism.
There are a myriad of healthcare professionals that can conduct an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultants psychiatrists. To provide a formal diagnosis of ADHD it must be performed either by a qualified Psychiatrist or a Special Nurse who is a Prescriber Qualified. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for the treatment of ADHD.
During an ADHD assessment, you will be questioned. It is important to bring a family member with you to provide support or evidence. It is also beneficial to write down your symptoms and how they've affected your life. The doctor will ask questions to gather details about your past and current condition. They will also look at your body to determine if there are any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS can also provide a private adult adhd diagnosis however, this could take a long time due to the long NHS waiting lists. Some people find that paying out of pocket for private treatment and evaluation through the "Right to Choose" pathway is easier. However, it is important to be aware that the quality of treatment offered by private practitioners varies widely and that it is essential that you choose carefully.
Medication
It is a good thing to have a thorough and thorough assessment if are struggling with ADHD symptoms in adulthood. This will allow you to get the right medication and help you require to manage your symptoms. There are many private companies that offer this service. If you decide to use one of them, it is important that you research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their training and experience in dealing neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a number of celebrities have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD. For instance, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and stated that her diagnosis "made everything make sense". NHS waiting lists are crowded despite an increase in awareness.
Therefore doctors are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services in the event of a private diagnosis of ADHD. This is partly because they do not have the time and in certain instances, they may be unable to find a clinician with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions. In certain areas, this is made worse by the fact that NHS staff are often assigned other requirements, like mental health assessments.
There is also a perception that certain private providers of ADHD assessments are prone to misdiagnosing people with the condition, which can result in devastating consequences for certain people. The BBC Panorama programme raised this concern and there is a real need to improve access to specialized ADHD assessments.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is possible to treat it using a combination therapy for behavioural issues and medication. Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and amphetamine can be used to improve the ability to control impulses and attention, while slower acting non-stimulants like atomoxetine are helpful in improving focus and productivity.
Some patients only choose the behavioural approach and do not require medication. Priory can put together an after-diagnostic care plan for patients who require medication. This includes a detailed medical report, as well as a titration for the final dose, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD may result in significant human and financial costs. It is important to conduct a psychiatric assessment and treatment program for all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medication and practical and psychological support and family therapy if appropriate. This should also extend to the workplace and family members on how to better manage and support an adult with ADHD in their daily lives.
The first step involves an interview with a mental healthcare professional who is certified to assess ADHD or other conditions. Patients should bring a list of their symptoms and any other mental health issues they have to the initial appointment. The interview will cover the patient's medical, psychiatric and family history. It will also discuss the impact of ADHD on the individual'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 symptom must manifest in two different environments (home or work) of the individual's daily life. It should affect their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This could take the form of a problem in securing a job, managing finances or marriage or school problems, or their general quality of life.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are trained in the functioning of the brain, but they are not able to prescribe medication. They are able to provide counselling. Psychologists can diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication if needed.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the person suffering from ADHD requires medication, they will write a prescription and send it to the local pharmacy. This is done under the supervision of the psychiatrist and must be completed within three months after the private assessment to ensure that the patient is able to fully titrated into their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue NHS prescribing following the private ADHD assessment The Psychiatrist will provide them with a a comprehensive report and treatment suggestions and will create an Shared Care Agreement with the GP.