ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough evaluation for an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation highlighted that some private clinics may provide unreliable diagnoses and inappropriate medication.
A reliable diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number, severity of, duration and impact of symptoms. The clinician will interview the patient and review the medical, psychiatric, family, and personal history.
Diagnosis
Adults who have symptoms they believe may be ADHD should look for a diagnosis in order to find the best treatment and control their lives. Whether they have an instinct that they might have the disorder, or have been told by a family member or friend that a member suggest they might have it, getting the right diagnosis can help them find the appropriate treatment and help to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
Patients must first discuss their issues with the GP. They should tell them about their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. The doctor will then direct them to an expert mental health professional who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be an experienced psychiatrist who has undergone specific training in the field. This is important as it means that the psychiatrist will be sure that they have used the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will request that the patient bring their partner or close family members and acquaintances who are familiar with them. They must also take into account the patient's medical history and the psychiatric history, beginning from childhood. They will also be looking at the severity of the symptoms and the impact on the patient's daily life. A brain scan or blood test can't confirm the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need take into consideration all available information available.
If the psychiatrist does not think that the patient is meeting all the criteria required for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reason. It could be because the patient didn't provide sufficient information about their difficulties or that another condition could be more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. It could also be that the therapist believes that the patient's problems are due to something else, and not ADHD.
adult adhd assessment private find it difficult to obtain a diagnosis because of the prejudices espoused by certain healthcare experts. This is particularly the case when they are a person of colour, assigned female at birth, or are not an English speaker. However, there is a growing awareness of this issue and the NHS is trying to tackle it.
Assessment
If you are concerned you might be suffering from ADHD you should get an assessment from a health care professional who is experienced in conducting such assessments. You may ask your physician for a recommendation or check with local university-based hospitals or medical schools to determine the professionals who are certified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You may also ask for a referral from an ADHD support group in your local area.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the amount, severity and duration of the symptoms in certain areas of life. These can include work, school and relationships. There are many reasons to be concerned about underachieving in school or work, having difficulty creating and maintaining relationships or being forgetful or unorganised. It is important to discuss these issues in a candid manner and not be hesitant to speak out against fear of being criticized.
From GPs and consultant psychiatrists There are a myriad of healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. However, in adult adhd assessment private to officially recognize a diagnosis of ADHD the assessment must be performed by a qualified Psychiatrist, or Prescriber Certified Specialist Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist is qualified to prescribe medication for ADHD.
During an ADHD evaluation, you will be questioned. It is important to bring a loved one along for support or as evidence. It is helpful to note your symptoms and how they impact your life. The doctor will ask questions to discover more about your life experiences and how you are currently functioning. They will also examine you to determine if you have any medical conditions that may be causing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS can also offer a private adult adhd diagnosis however, this could take a considerable amount of time because of the backed up NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for private treatment and assessment through the "Right to Choose" option is more convenient. It is important to remember that the quality and price of private care can vary greatly.
Medication
If you've struggled with symptoms of ADHD as an adult it is a great idea to have a full and comprehensive assessment done. This will enable you to receive the correct medication and assistance you require to manage your symptoms. There are numerous private providers of this service but, should you decide to go down this route, it is important to look into the reputation of your selected psychiatrist, as well as their expertise and training in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a lot of celebrities 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 the diagnosis "made everything make sense". NHS waiting lists are still full despite increasing awareness.
In the end doctors are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services for a private diagnosis of ADHD. This is largely because they don't have the time, and in certain cases they may not be able to locate a clinician who has expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders. In certain areas, NHS staff might have to address other needs such as mental health assessments.
There are those who believe that private providers of ADHD assessments are too quick to diagnose those suffering from the condition. This can have devastating effects for certain. The BBC Panorama programme raised this concern and there is a pressing need to improve access to specialized ADHD tests.
Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder with the combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and amphetamine can be utilized to boost attention and impulse control, while slower acting non-stimulants like atomoxetine are helpful in enhancing concentration and productivity.
Some patients opt for the behavioural approach, and do not need medication. Priory can create a post-diagnostic treatment package for patients who require medication. This will include a comprehensive report as well as a titration for the final dose, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can result in significant financial and human costs. It is essential to provide a psychiatric examination and treatment plan for all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medications, psychological and practical assistance and family therapy where appropriate. This should also extend to workplace and family education on how to better manage and assist an adult with ADHD in their daily lives.
The first step involves an interview with a mental health professional who is qualified to assess ADHD or other issues. Patients must bring a list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health issues they have to the initial appointment. The interview will look into the patient's medical and mental health history and their family history. It will also examine the effects of ADHD on the person's daily life and relationships.
During this procedure the doctor will ensure that the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must be evident in two settings of the individual's life (either at home or at work). It should affect the person's normal functioning and cause significant distress. This could take the form of difficulties in keeping a job or managing finances or marriage or school problems, or in their general quality of life.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. Psychologists understand the way that brains work however they are not able to prescribe medication, and cannot recommend counseling. Psychologists are able to diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication if required.
If the Psychiatrist determines that the patient has ADHD requires medication, they will prescribe a prescription to a local pharmacist. This is done under the supervision and direction of the Psychiatrist, and is expected to be completed within three months from the private assessment. This will allow the individual to fully adjust their final dosage of medication. If the GP is in agreement to continue to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD evaluation The Psychiatrist can write a detailed report that includes treatment recommendations. They can also draft an agreement known as a Shared Care Agreement.