ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough evaluation in order to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation found that some private clinics might be handing inaccurate diagnoses and prescribing inappropriate medications.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on the symptoms and their severity, duration and impact. The clinician will interview and examine the patient's medical, psychiatric and family background.
Diagnosis
For those who believe they have symptoms that may be connected to ADHD and are seeking a diagnosis, it is the first step in finding treatment and gaining control of their lives. If they feel they have ADHD or they have a family member or a friend who has suggested it, getting the diagnosis will aid in managing their symptoms.
Patients must first discuss their issues with an GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they affect your daily life. The doctor will then recommend them to an expert mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist must be a psychiatrist who has undergone specialist training in this area. This is essential because it allows the psychiatrist to be sure that they're applying the correct criteria to determine ADHD.
The psychiatrist will ask the patient to bring their spouse or family members and acquaintances who are familiar with them. They will also need to consider the patient's medical and psychiatric background from childhood to now. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and how they have affected the patient's lifestyle. A brain scan or blood test will not confirm an 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 and will then explain their reasoning. It could be because the patient hasn't provided sufficient details about their problems or that a different condition is responsible for their behavior better than ADHD. Alternatively, it might be the case that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's difficulties may be due to a different cause and not due to the condition.
Some people have a difficult time getting a proper diagnosis due to the prejudices of some healthcare experts. This is particularly the case when they are a person of colour or a woman born at birth, or are not an English speaking. However there is a growing awareness of the issue and the NHS is working on tackling it.
The Assessment
If you're concerned that you might be suffering from ADHD you should seek an assessment from a medical care professional who has experience in conducting these assessments. You can ask your personal physician for a recommendation or check at local universities' hospitals or medical schools to determine who is qualified to conduct 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. This includes relationships, school and work. You may have problems with being unable to perform at school or at working, having difficulties creating and maintaining relationships or being forgetful or unorganised. It is important to discuss these issues and not be afraid to take criticism.
From GPs to psychiatrists who consult, there are many healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. However, to provide a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD, it must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist, or Prescriber Certified Specialist Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist is qualified to prescribe medication for ADHD.
You are typically questioned during an ADHD evaluation, and it is important to bring a family member for support or to show evidence. It is important to write down your symptoms, and how they impact your life. The doctor will ask questions to gather information about your background and your current functioning. They will also examine you to determine if there are any medical conditions that may be the cause of your ADHD symptoms.
You can also get an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS, but it can take an extended time due to the logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pockets for private assessments and treatments through the 'Right to Choose route. It is important to keep in mind that the cost and quality of private healthcare can differ greatly.
Medication
If you've struggled with symptoms of ADHD as an adult it is a great idea to have a full and thorough evaluation done. This will allow you to find the right medication and the help you need to manage symptoms. There are many private providers who offer this service. If you choose to go with one of them, it is crucial to investigate the reputation of the psychiatrist, their education and experience dealing neurodevelopmental disorders.
A lot of public figures have been open 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 the diagnosis "made everything make sense". NHS waiting lists are still crowded despite an increase in awareness.
In the end doctors are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD. This is mainly because they don't have the time and in certain instances they may not be able to locate a specialist who is skilled in neurodevelopmental disorders. In certain areas, this is made worse by the fact that NHS staff could be being tasked with other health requirements like mental health assessments.
Many people believe that private providers of ADHD assessments over-diagnose adults with the condition. This could have devastating consequences for some. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue, and there is a real need to improve access to specialist ADHD tests.
Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder with the combination of treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant drugs such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are utilized to boost focus and productivity, while non-stimulants that are slower-acting like atomoxetine can be useful for improving your attention and impulse control.
Some patients only choose treatment for behavioural issues and do not require medication. For those who need to take medication, a post-diagnostic package of care can be formulated at Priory. This includes a detailed 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 have significant financial and human costs. It is crucial to conduct a psychiatric assessment and treatment plan for all adults with ADHD. This should include medications, psychological and practical support and family therapy where appropriate. best private adhd assessment uk should include family and workplace training on how to better help and manage an adult suffering from ADHD.
The first step is to interview with an expert in mental health care who is trained to assess ADHD and other related disorders. Patients are required to be prepared to bring a written record of their symptoms, as well as any other mental health concerns prior to their first appointment. This interview will review the patient's medical, psychiatric and family background. It will also examine how the ADHD symptoms affect the person's daily functioning and how they affect their relationships.
During this procedure the doctor will confirm that the symptoms are in line with the criteria for ADHD defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must be evident in two different settings of the person's life (either home or work). It should affect the person's normal functioning, and cause a lot of distress. This may be in the form of having difficulty finding a job, issues with marriage or coping with finances, issues at school or in their overall quality of life.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals that can conduct an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are experts on how the brain works however they are not able to prescribe medication, and cannot recommend counseling. Psychologists are fully trained to diagnose and treat ADHD, and can offer medications if required.
If the Psychiatrist decides that the person has ADHD requires medication, he or she will prescribe a prescription to local pharmacists. This is done under the supervision and direction of the Psychiatrist, and should be completed in three months from the private assessment. This allows the patient to fully adjust to 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 complete report and treatment recommendations, and will draft a Shared Care Agreement with the GP.