ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough evaluation in order to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation revealed that a few private clinics might be handing out incorrect diagnoses and medications.
A reliable diagnosis for ADHD is based on the severity, number and duration of symptoms. The clinician will interview and analyze the patient's medical, psychiatric and family background.
Diagnosis
Adults who experience symptoms that they believe might be ADHD should look for a diagnosis in order to find the appropriate treatment and control their lives. If they feel they have ADHD, or if a family member or friend has suggested it, getting the diagnosis will help them manage their symptoms.
The first thing that patients should discuss their concerns with a GP. Inform them of your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. The doctor will refer them to a seasoned mental health professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist must be a psychiatrist who has completed specialized training in this area. This is important as it means that the psychiatrist can be sure that they are using the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will ask the patient to bring their partner or close family members and acquaintances who are familiar with them. They will also need to take into account the patient's medical history and psychiatric past, starting from childhood. They will also take into consideration the severity of the symptoms and the impact on the patient's daily life. There is no brain scan or blood test that can confirm an ADHD diagnosis Therefore, the psychiatrist will need to assess all the available information.
If the psychiatrist does not think that the patient is meeting all the criteria required for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons. It could be because the patient didn't provide sufficient information about their problems or another medical condition is more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. It could also be that the therapist believes that the patient's problems result from something else and not ADHD.
Some people have a harder in obtaining a diagnosis due to the prejudices of certain healthcare medical professionals. This is especially the case if you're a person who is of color or a woman born, or do not speak English natively. However, there is a growing awareness of this issue and the NHS is trying to tackle the issue.
The Assessment
If you are concerned that you might have ADHD you should get an assessment from a medical healthcare professional who is skilled in conducting these assessments. You may ask your physician for a referral or consult with local medical schools or hospitals to find out who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also ask a local ADHD support group for a referral.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity, number and duration of symptoms in certain areas of life. These include relationships, school and work. You might experience issues in the form of underachieving at work or education or in difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships and being forgetful or disorganized. It is crucial to discuss these issues and not be afraid to take criticism.
From GPs to psychiatrists who consult, there are many healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment. To give a definitive diagnosis of ADHD it should be carried out by a qualified Psychiatrist, or a Prescriber Qualified Special Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication for ADHD.
You are typically questioned during an ADHD assessment, and it is important to bring someone from your family to offer support or evidence. It is beneficial to write down your symptoms, and how they impact your life. The doctor will ask you questions to collect details about your past and your current functioning. They will also look at your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms of ADHD.
You can also get an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS, but it can take a long time due to the long NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pocket for a private assessment and treatment through the 'Right To Choose option. However it is essential to keep in mind that the quality of treatment offered by private practitioners varies widely and it is vital to choose your provider carefully.
Medication
If you have been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in your adulthood it is a good idea to have a complete and thorough evaluation done. This will help you receive the correct medication and the support that you require to manage your symptoms. There are numerous private companies that offer this service, but if you choose to go this route it is essential to investigate the reputation of your chosen psychiatrist and their training and experience in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a number of public figures have come out about their struggles with ADHD. For instance, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s, and claimed that her diagnosis "made everything make sense". However, despite the increasing awareness, NHS waiting lists remain overflowing with people who want to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
In order to avoid this, doctors often hesitate to refer their patients to specialist services for a private ADHD diagnosis. This is partly because they don't have the time or resources and, in some cases they may not be able to find a clinician with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions. In certain areas, this is made worse by the fact that NHS staff are often being tasked with other health requirements such as mental health assessments.
There is also a perception among some private providers of ADHD assessments are over-diagnosing adults with the condition, which could have devastating consequences for some people. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue and there is a pressing need to improve access to specialist ADHD assessments.
If you've been given a personal 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 or methylphenidate can be employed to increase focus and productivity, while non-stimulants with a slower onset like atomoxetine are effective in improving the ability to concentrate and control impulses.
Some patients opt to employ behavioural therapy and do not require medication. However, for those who require medication, a post-diagnostic package of care can be put together at Priory. This will include a comprehensive medical report and titration of the final dose, which could be shared with your GP.
adhd private assessment -diagnostic care
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a significant one for both the financial and human cost. This is why it's crucial that a psychiatric assessment and treatment programme be made available to all adults with ADHD. This should include medication, psychological and practical support and family therapy if needed. This should also extend to workplace and family education on how to better manage and assist an adult with ADHD in their daily life.
The first step is to interview with an expert in mental health care who is certified to evaluate ADHD and other related disorders. Patients are required to bring a list with their symptoms and any other mental health issues they have to the initial appointment. The interview will look into the patient's medical and mental health history, as well as their family history. It will also examine how ADHD symptoms impact the patient's daily life and relationships.
During this procedure, the doctor will make sure that the symptoms are consistent with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom has to be present in two settings of the person's daily life (either home or work). It must affect their normal functioning and cause significant distress or impairment. This can take the form of difficulties in keeping a job, trouble with marriage or coping with financial issues, difficulties at school or in their overall quality of life.
There is a wide range of professionals that can perform an assessment for ADHD such as Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists know how the brain works however, they are not qualified to prescribe medications, therefore they can only suggest counselling. Psychologists are able to diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication if required.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient has ADHD needs medication, he or she will prescribe a prescription to local pharmacists. This is under the supervision and direction of the Psychiatrist, and is expected to be completed within three months following the private assessment. This allows the patient to fully adjust to their final dosage of medication. If the GP is in agreement to continue prescribing ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD evaluation, the Psychiatrist can write a detailed report that includes treatment recommendations. They will also draft the Shared Care Agreement.