ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
For people to get an accurate diagnosis for ADHD the NHS requires a thorough assessment. The BBC investigation revealed that a few private clinics might be handing out incorrect diagnoses and medications.
A reliable diagnosis for ADHD is determined by the number, severity, duration and impact of symptoms. The clinician will interview and examine the patient's medical, mental health and family background.
Diagnosis
For those who believe they have symptoms that could be related to ADHD and are seeking a diagnosis, it is a key step to getting treatment and taking control of their lives. If they feel that they might be suffering from the disorder, or have had a friend or family member suggest they might have it, obtaining the right diagnosis can help them find the appropriate treatment and help to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
The first thing that patients should do is discuss their concerns with an GP. Inform them of your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. The GP will then recommend them to a specialist mental health professional who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist should be a seasoned psychiatrist who has had special training in this area. This is important as it means that the psychiatrist can be sure that they are applying the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will conduct an interview with the patient and frequently ask them to bring in their spouse or close relatives and friends who know them well. They'll also need to examine the patient's medical and mental history from childhood onwards. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the patient's life. There is no blood test or brain scan that can be used to confirm an ADHD diagnosis, so the psychiatrist will have to evaluate all of the information available.
If the psychiatrist believes that the patient doesn't meet all the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will discuss their reasons. It could be because the patient hasn't given sufficient detail about their difficulties or that another medical condition is responsible for their behavior more effectively than ADHD. It could also be that the doctor believes that the patient's difficulties are due to something else, and not ADHD.
Some people have a difficult in obtaining a diagnosis due to the prejudices of some healthcare experts. This is particularly the case when they are a person of colour or assigned a female birth or not a native English native speaker. The NHS is working hard to solve this problem.
The Assessment
If you are concerned you might be suffering from ADHD you should get an assessment from a health care professional who has experience in conducting these assessments. You may ask your physician for a recommendation or check with local university-based hospitals or medical schools to see the professionals who are certified to perform an ADHD evaluation for adults. You could also seek a referral from an ADHD support group in your local area.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity, number and duration of symptoms in certain areas of your life. This could include work, school and relationships. You might experience issues that result in you not performing at work or education or in difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships and being forgetful or unorganized. It is essential to discuss these issues in a candid manner and not hide from the fear of being criticized.
There are many different healthcare professionals that can carry out an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultant psychiatrists. However, to officially recognize a diagnosis of ADHD it must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist or Prescriber Qualified Specialist Nurse. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
In an ADHD assessment you will be questioned. It is important to bring a family member to help or provide evidence. It is also helpful to note down your symptoms and how they have affected your life. The doctor will ask you questions to gather information about your history and current condition. They will also look at your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that could cause the symptoms of ADHD.
You can also get an adult adhd private diagnosis through the NHS however it may take a long time due to the long NHS waiting lists. Some people find it easier to pay out of their own pockets for an assessment and treatment that is private through the 'Right To Choose' pathway. It is important to keep in mind that the quality and cost of private treatment can vary significantly.
Medication
It is beneficial to get a comprehensive and complete assessment if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms into adulthood. This will help you receive the correct medication and the assistance you require to manage your symptoms. There are many private companies that offer this service. If you decide to choose one of them, it is important to research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their training and experience dealing neurodevelopmental disorders.
A lot of celebrities 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 claimed that the diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". NHS waiting lists are still crowded despite increased awareness.
To avoid this, doctors often are reluctant to refer patients to specialist services in order to obtain an official ADHD diagnosis. This is partly because they don't have the time or resources and, in certain instances they may not be able to locate a specialist with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions. In some areas, the NHS staff may have to deal with other needs such as mental health assessments.
There is also a perception that certain private providers of ADHD assessments are prone to misdiagnosing people with the condition, which could cause severe harm to some people. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue, and there is a real need to increase access to specialized ADHD assessments.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, you can treat it using a combination behavioural therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs such as amphetamine or methylphenidate can be utilized to boost productivity and focus, while non-stimulants with a slower onset like atomoxetine are useful for improving your attention and impulse control.
Certain patients choose only behavioural therapy and do not require medication. For those who require medication, a post-diagnostic program of care could be created at Priory. This will include a thorough medical report, as well as a titration for the final dosage, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD could have significant financial and human costs. This is why it is so important that a psychiatric examination and treatment private adult adhd assessment program be made available to all adults with ADHD. This should include medication as well as practical and psychological support as well as family therapy, if needed. This should also include the workplace and family members on how to better manage and assist an adult with ADHD in their daily lives.
The first step involves an appointment with a mental health professional who is qualified to evaluate ADHD or other conditions. Patients should bring a list of their symptoms and any other mental health issues they have to this first appointment. The interview will go over the patient's medical, psychiatric and family history. It will also discuss how ADHD symptoms affect the individual's daily life and relationships.
During this procedure, the doctor will make sure whether the symptoms are in line with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must appear in two different settings (home or at work) of the person's everyday life. It should affect the person's normal functioning and cause distress. This can take the form of difficulties in finding a job, issues with marriage, or dealing with finances, problems at school or in their overall quality of life.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are experts on the way that brains work however they are not able to prescribe medications, therefore they cannot recommend counseling. Psychologists are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD and may prescribe medications if necessary.
If the Psychiatrist decides that the patient with 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 should be completed within three months from the private assessment to ensure that the patient has time to be fully adjusted to their final dosage of medication. If the GP agrees to continue NHS prescribing following the private ADHD assessment the Psychiatrist will provide them with a a comprehensive report and treatment recommendations, and will create a Shared Care Agreement with the GP.