ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
To give people an accurate diagnosis for ADHD the NHS requires a thorough evaluation. The BBC investigation revealed that some private clinics could be giving inaccurate diagnoses and prescribing inappropriate medications.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on the symptoms and their severity, duration and impact. The doctor will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and family history.
Diagnosis
Adults with symptoms they believe may be ADHD should seek a diagnosis to find the best treatment and control their life. If they feel they have ADHD or they have a family member or a friend who has suggested it, getting an assessment can aid them in managing their symptoms.
Patients must first discuss their issues with a GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they affect your daily life. The GP will then direct them to a specialist mental health professional who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist must be one who has undergone specialist training in this area. This is important as it means that the psychiatrist can be confident that they are applying the right criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will conduct an interview with the patient and may request their spouse, or close family members and friends who are familiar with them. They'll also need to examine the patient's medical and mental background from childhood to now. They will also take into consideration the severity of symptoms and the effects on the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test will not confirm the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need to consider all the available information.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient doesn't meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will be able to explain why. It could be because the patient did not provide enough information about their problems or another condition better explains their behavior than ADHD. It could also be that the doctor believes that the patient's difficulties are due to something else and not the condition.
Some people find it harder to get a proper diagnosis due to the prejudices held by some healthcare experts. This can be especially the case if they're someone of color, assigned female at birth or not a native English speaker. However there is an increasing awareness of the issue and the NHS is working on tackling the issue.
Assessment
If you are concerned you may have ADHD you should seek an evaluation from a health care professional who is experienced in conducting these tests. You can ask your personal physician 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 may also ask the local ADHD support group for a referral.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the amount, severity and duration of symptoms in specific areas of one's life. This could include school, work and relationships. You may have problems with being unable to perform at school or at work, or having trouble making and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or unorganised. It is important to address these issues and not be afraid of criticism.
From GPs to consultant psychiatrists, there are many healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment. However, to be able to give a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD it must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist or Prescriber Qualified Specialist Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication for ADHD.
During an ADHD evaluation, you will be questioned. It is crucial to bring a loved one along for support or as evidence. It is important to write the symptoms you experience and how they impact your life. The doctor will ask questions to collect details about your past and your current functioning. They will also check your body to determine if there are any medical conditions which could be causing the symptoms of ADHD.
You can also access an adult adhd private diagnosis through the NHS however, it could take a long time due to the logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for a private treatment and evaluation through the "Right to Choose" pathway is easier. But it is crucial to remember that the quality of care from private providers is a lot different and that it is essential that you choose carefully.
Medication
If you've been struggling with symptoms of ADHD as an adult it is a good idea to have a full and comprehensive assessment done. This will enable you to find the right medication and the help you need to manage symptoms. There are a variety of private providers who offer this service. If you decide to choose one of them, it is essential that you research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their training and experience dealing neurodevelopmental disorders.
A high number of celebrities have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. For example, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and said that the diagnosis "made everything make sense". NHS waiting lists are full despite increased awareness.
Therefore 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 cases they may not be able find an expert clinician in neurodevelopmental disorders. In some areas, this is exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff could be tasked with other care needs such as mental health assessments.
Some people also believe that private companies offering ADHD assessments over-diagnose those suffering from the condition. This could have devastating effects for some. This concern was raised by the BBC Panorama program and there is a pressing need to improve accessibility for ADHD tests.
If you've been given a personal diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder using the combination of behavioural therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and amphetamine can be utilized to improve the ability to control impulses and attention, while slower acting non-stimulants such as atomoxetine can be beneficial in improving focus and productivity.
Some patients opt to utilize behavioural therapy and do not require medication. adhd private assessment can put together an after-diagnostic care plan for those who require medication. This will include a comprehensive medical report, as well as a 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. This is why it's so important that a psychiatric evaluation and treatment program is made available to all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medication as well as psychological and practical support and family therapy where appropriate. This should also include family and workplace education about how to better manage and assist an adult with ADHD in their daily life.
The first step is an interview with an expert in mental health who is certified to evaluate ADHD and related conditions. Patients must bring a written list of their symptoms and any other mental health concerns prior to their first appointment. This interview will examine the patient's medical and mental health history and their family history. It will also examine the impact of ADHD on the person's everyday life and relationships.
In this process the doctor will ensure that the symptoms match 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 at home or at work). It should affect their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This can take the form a difficulty finding a job or dealing with marriage or finances, problems in school or in their general quality of life.
There are a range of professionals that can carry out an assessment for ADHD that includes Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists understand the way that brains work, but are not qualified to prescribe medication, and cannot recommend counseling. Psychologists are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD and offer medication if needed.
If the Psychiatrist determines that the person with ADHD does need medication they will write a prescription and give it to the local pharmacy. This is 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 dose of medication. If the GP agrees to continue NHS prescribing after the private ADHD assessment the Psychiatrist will provide them with a comprehensive report and treatment suggestions and will create a Shared Care Agreement with the GP.