ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
To give people an accurate diagnosis of ADHD the NHS requires a thorough evaluation. The BBC investigation revealed that some private clinics might be handing out unreliable diagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
A legitimate diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity, number of, duration and impact of symptoms. The clinician will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and family medical history.
Diagnosis
For adults who feel they have symptoms that could be related to ADHD, getting a diagnosis is an essential step towards getting treatment and taking control over their lives. Whether they have an instinct 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 allow them to find the treatment and support needed to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
Patients should first discuss their concerns with an GP. They should be able to discuss their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. The doctor will refer them to a specialist mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist should be a skilled psychiatrist who has received special training in this area. This is important because it lets the psychiatrist be certain that they are using the right criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will interview the patient and often request their partner, or close family members and friends who are familiar with them. They will also have to take into account the patient's medical history as well as psychiatric past, starting from childhood. They will also take into consideration the severity of the symptoms and their effects on the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test cannot confirm the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need to take into account all available information.
If the psychiatrist doesn't feel that the patient meets all the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will explain the reason. It could be that the patient hasn't provided sufficient details about their problems, or it might be that another medical condition is responsible for their behaviour better than ADHD. It could also be that the therapist believes that the patient's problems result from something else and not ADHD.
Certain people find it difficult to receive a correct diagnosis because of the prejudices espoused by certain healthcare experts. This can be especially the case when they are someone of color or assigned a female birth or not a native English native speaker. The NHS is trying its best to address this problem.
The Assessment
If you suspect you may have ADHD and are concerned, you should seek an evaluation by a medical professional who is experienced in these 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 evaluation for adults. You may also ask the local ADHD support group for a referral.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number of, severity and duration of symptoms that affect specific areas of your life. These include relationships, school and work. You may experience problems that result in you not performing at work or education or in difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or disorganized. It is essential to talk about these problems and not be afraid to take criticism.
From GPs and consultant psychiatrists, there are many healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. However, in order to be able to give a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD, it must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist, or a Prescriber qualified specialist nurse. Only a Psychiatrist is qualified to prescribe medication for ADHD.
You are typically questioned during an ADHD evaluation, and it is important to bring an adult family member to provide support or evidence. It is beneficial to write your symptoms and how they impact your life. The doctor will ask questions to collect information about your background and how you are doing. They will also look at your body to determine if there are any medical conditions which could cause the symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS can also offer an adult adhd diagnosis that is private however, this could take a very long time because of the overflowing 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. However it is essential to remember that the quality of care from private practitioners varies widely and that it is essential to select your provider with care.
Medication
If you have been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in your adulthood, it is a good idea to have a full and comprehensive assessment done. This will enable you to get the right medication, and the assistance you require to manage the symptoms. There are private adhd assessment uk of this service. However, if you choose to pursue this option it is essential to research the reputation of the chosen psychiatrist and the level of their training and experience in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders.
A high number of celebrities have been open 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 make sense". However, despite an increase in awareness, NHS waiting lists remain jam-packed with people who want an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
In order to avoid this, doctors often do not recommend their patients to specialist services to obtain an official ADHD diagnosis. This is mainly because they don't have the time and in some instances, they may be unable to find a clinician with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions. In some areas, the NHS staff may have to address other needs such as mental health assessments.
Some people also believe that private providers of ADHD assessments over-diagnose people suffering from the condition. This could have devastating effects for certain. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue and there is a pressing need to improve access to specialist ADHD assessments.
Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD, it is possible to treat the disorder using a combination of behavioural therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate are used to improve focus and productivity, while non-stimulants with a slower onset like atomoxetine are effective in improving attention and impulse control.
Some patients choose to only utilize behavioural therapy and do not require medication. However, for those who need to take medication, a post-diagnostic package of care can be put together at Priory. This includes a detailed medical report and titration of the final dose, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD may have significant financial and human costs. It is important to conduct a psychiatric assessment and treatment program for all adults with ADHD. This should include medication as well as psychological and practical support, as well as therapy for families if it is appropriate. This should include both workplace and family education on how to better support and manage an adult with ADHD.
The first step is to schedule an interview with a mental healthcare professional who is certified to evaluate ADHD or other issues. Patients must bring a list of their symptoms and any other mental health issues to the initial appointment. This appointment will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history and their family history. It will also discuss the effects of ADHD on the person's daily life and relationships.
During this process the doctor will ensure whether the symptoms are in line with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptoms must be present in two different places (home or work) of the person's daily life. It should affect the person's normal functioning and cause significant distress. This can take the form of difficulty getting a job, problems in marriage, or having to deal with finances, issues at school or in their overall quality of life.
There are a range of professionals who carry out an assessment for ADHD such as Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists are educated in the functioning of the brain, but they are unable to prescribe medications. They can only provide counseling. Psychiatrists are fully qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD, and can offer medications if required.
If the Psychiatrist decides that the patient with ADHD does need medication, they will write a prescription and send it to the local pharmacy. This is under the supervision of a doctor and should be completed within three months of the private assessment to ensure that the individual has time to be fully titrated into their final dose of medication. If the GP accepts to continue NHS prescribing after the private ADHD assessment, the Psychiatrist will provide them with a complete report and treatment recommendations, and will draw up an Shared Care Agreement with the GP.