ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
For people to get a proper diagnosis for ADHD, the NHS requires a thorough evaluation. The BBC investigation highlighted that some private clinics may be handing out unreliable diagnoses and inappropriate medication.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms and their severity, duration, and impact. The clinician will interview and examine the patient's medical, mental health and family medical history.
Diagnosis
Adults who experience symptoms that they believe may be ADHD should seek a diagnosis to find the right treatment and take control of their lives. If they feel that they might be suffering from the condition, or have had a family or friend member suggest they might be suffering from it, obtaining the correct diagnosis can help them find the treatment and support needed to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
Patients should first discuss their concerns with the GP. They must inform them of their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. The doctor will recommend them to an expert mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist is a psychiatrist who has completed specialist training in this field. This is crucial since it means that the psychiatrist can be confident that they are using the correct criteria for diagnosing ADHD.
The psychiatrist will conduct an interview with the patient and may ask them to bring in their spouse or close relatives and friends who are familiar with them. They will also have to examine the patient's medical history and mental health history, starting from childhood. 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 confirm the ADHD diagnosis The psychiatrist must evaluate all of the information available.
If the psychiatrist feels that the patient doesn't meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnoses, they will discuss their reasons. It could be that the patient did not provide sufficient information about their issues or another condition could be more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. It could also be that the doctor believes that the patient's issues result from something else rather than ADHD.
private adhd assessments find it harder to get a proper diagnosis because of the prejudices held by some health experts. This is particularly the case if they are a person of colour, assigned female at birth, or are not an English native speaker. The NHS is trying its best to solve this problem.
The Assessment
If you are concerned that you may have ADHD you should get an evaluation from a health care professional who is experienced in conducting such assessments. You can ask your doctor to recommend a specialist or check with local university-based hospitals or medical schools to determine which professionals are qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also ask an individual from your local ADHD support group for a referral.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number, severity and duration of symptoms in certain areas of one's life. This includes relationships, school and work. You may have problems with being unable to perform at school or at working, having difficulties making and maintaining relationships, or being unorganized or forgetful. It is crucial to talk about these issues in a candid manner and not hide from fear of being criticized.
There are many different healthcare professionals that can carry out an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultant psychiatrists. To provide a formal diagnosis of ADHD it must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist, or a Special Nurse who is a Prescriber Qualified. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
You are usually questioned during an ADHD assessment and it is essential to bring along an adult family member to provide support or to show evidence. It is also beneficial to write down your symptoms and how they have impacted your life. The doctor will ask you questions to collect details about your past and your current functioning. They will also examine you to determine if there are any medical conditions that may be causing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS can also offer an adult adhd diagnosis that is private however this could take a long time due to the overflowing NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for a private treatment and evaluation through the "Right to Choose" pathway is easier. However it is crucial to remember that the quality of treatment offered by private providers varies greatly and it is vital to choose your provider carefully.
Medication
If you've been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in your adulthood it is a good idea to have a complete and thorough assessment. This will enable you to get the right medication, and the support that you require to manage your symptoms. There are many private companies that offer this service. However, if you choose to go down this route it is essential to look into the reputation of the chosen psychiatrist and their expertise and training in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a number of public figures have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD. Sue Perkins, the host of Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. She claimed that the diagnosis "made everything seem to make sense". NHS waiting lists are full despite an increase in awareness.
In order to avoid this, doctors frequently are reluctant to refer patients to specialist services in order to obtain an individual ADHD diagnosis. This is mainly because they do not have the time and, in some instances, they may be unable to find a clinician with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions. In some areas, this is made worse by the fact that NHS staff may be tasked with other care needs such as mental health assessments.
Many people believe that private providers of ADHD assessments are too quick to diagnose adults with the condition. This can have devastating effects for some. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue and there is a pressing need to increase accessibility to specialized ADHD tests.
Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD, it is possible to treat the disorder by using the combination of behavioural therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate can be used to improve productivity and focus, while non-stimulants with a slower onset like atomoxetine are beneficial for improving attention and impulse control.
Some patients opt for the behavioural approach, and do not need medication. However, for those who require medication, a post-diagnostic program of care could be created at Priory. This will include a comprehensive medical report as well as a titration of the final dose, which could be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by significant human and financial costs. This is why it is crucial that a psychiatric evaluation and treatment program be made available to all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medication as well as psychological and practical support and family therapy when 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 is an interview with an expert in mental health who is trained to assess ADHD and other related disorders. Patients are required to bring a list with their symptoms and any other mental health issues they may have to their first appointment. This interview will review the patient's medical, psychiatric, and family background. It will also look at how ADHD symptoms impact the patient's daily functioning and their relationships.
During this procedure the doctor will confirm that the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must manifest in two different places (home or at work) of the person's everyday life. It should interfere with the person's normal functioning, and cause significant distress. This can be in the form of a problem finding a job or coping with finances or marriage or school problems, or in their overall quality of living.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals that can conduct an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are educated in the functioning of the brain, but they are not able to prescribe medication. They are able to provide counseling. Psychologists are fully trained to diagnose and treat ADHD and offer medications if required.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the person has ADHD requires medication, he or she will write a prescription for a local pharmacist. This is done under the supervision of a doctor and should be completed within three months after the private assessment to ensure that the person is able to fully titrated into their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue NHS prescribing following the private ADHD assessment The Psychiatrist will provide them with an extensive report and treatment recommendations and will draft an Shared Care Agreement with the GP.