ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that people undergo a thorough evaluation in order to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation revealed that some private clinics might be handing out unreliable diagnosis and inappropriate medication.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms and their severity, duration and impact. The physician will interview the individual and review the medical or psychiatric history, as well as family and personal background.
Diagnosis
Adults with symptoms they believe might be ADHD should seek out a diagnosis to determine the appropriate treatment and gain control of their lives. If they feel they have ADHD, or if they have a family member or a friend who has suggested it, obtaining a diagnosis can help them manage their symptoms.
The first thing patients should discuss their concerns with a GP. Tell them about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The doctor will then recommend them to a specialist mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist must be one who has undergone specialist training in this area. This is important because it lets the psychiatrist be certain that they are applying the correct criteria to determine ADHD.
The psychiatrist will request that the patient bring their partner or close family members and acquaintances who are familiar with them. They will also need to consider the patient's medical history and the psychiatric history, beginning from childhood. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and their effects on the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test will not confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need to take into account all available information.
If the psychiatrist believes that the patient does not meet all the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will be able to explain why. It could be that the patient hasn't provided sufficient detail about their difficulties, or it might be that another condition explains their behaviour better than ADHD. It could also be that the therapist believes that the patient's problems result from something else rather than ADHD.
Some people have a harder in obtaining a diagnosis because of the prejudices of certain healthcare experts. This can be especially the case when they are someone of color or a woman born at birth or not a native English speaking. However, there is a growing awareness of this issue and the NHS is working on tackling it.
Assessment
If you suspect you may have ADHD or other disorders, you should have an assessment by a healthcare professional who is familiar with such evaluations. You may ask your physician to recommend a specialist or check with local university-based hospitals or medical schools to see who is qualified to perform an ADHD assessment for adults. You may also ask an individual from your local ADHD support group for an appointment.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity, number and duration of the symptoms in specific areas of your life. This could include work, school and relationships. You might be struggling with not performing well in school or at working, having difficulties creating and maintaining relationships or being unorganized or forgetful. It is essential to talk about these problems and not be afraid of criticism.
There are a variety of healthcare professionals that are able to conduct an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultants psychiatrists. To provide a formal diagnosis of ADHD it must be done either by a qualified Psychiatrist or a Special Nurse who is a Prescriber Qualified. Only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for ADHD.
During an ADHD assessment you will be questioned. It is important to bring a loved one with you to provide support or evidence. It is beneficial to write the symptoms you experience and how they impact your life. The doctor will ask questions to discover more about your history and how you are functioning. They will also examine your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS can also offer an adult adhd diagnosis that is private, but this can take a very long time because of the long NHS waiting lists. Some people find it easier to pay out of their own pockets for private assessments and treatments through the 'Right to Choose option. It is important to remember that the quality and price of private healthcare can differ greatly.
Medication
If you've been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in your adulthood, it is a good idea to get a thorough and comprehensive assessment done. This will allow you to get the correct medication and support you need to manage your symptoms. There are numerous private providers of this service, but if you choose to go this route it is essential to investigate the reputation of your chosen psychiatrist and the level of their training and experience in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a lot of prominent people have come out about their struggles with ADHD. For instance, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and stated that the diagnosis "made everything make sense". However, despite an increase in awareness, NHS waiting lists remain overflowing with people wanting to receive the right diagnosis and treatment.
As a result doctors are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services for a private diagnosis of ADHD. This is largely because they lack the time, and in certain instances, they might not be able find an expert clinician in neurodevelopmental disorders. In some areas, the NHS staff might have to handle other requirements such as mental health assessments.
There is also a perception that certain private companies offering ADHD assessments are over-diagnosing adults with the condition, and this can result in devastating consequences for certain people. This issue was highlighted by the BBC Panorama program and there is a need to increase access to ADHD assessments.
If Iampsychiatry 've been diagnosed as having ADHD, you can treat it with a combination of treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant medications like amphetamine or methylphenidate can be employed to increase focus and productivity, while slower-acting non-stimulants like atomoxetine are effective in improving attention and impulse control.
Some patients choose to only employ behavioural therapy and do not require medication. However, for those who need to take medication, a post-diagnostic package 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 can result in significant human and financial costs. It is crucial to provide a psychiatric evaluation and treatment plan for all adults with ADHD. This should include medication, practical and psychological support and family therapy if appropriate. This should include both workplace and family information on how to best support and manage an adult suffering from ADHD.
The first step is an interview with an expert in mental health who is certified to evaluate ADHD and other related disorders. Patients should bring a list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health issues to the initial appointment. The interview will go over the patient's medical, psychiatric and family history. It will also look at the impact of ADHD on the individual's daily life and relationships.
During this procedure, the doctor will check whether the symptoms match with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom has to be present in two different settings of the individual's life (either at home or at work). It must interfere with their normal functioning and cause significant distress or impairment. This can take the form of difficulties in keeping a job, trouble in marriage, or having to deal with financial issues, difficulties at school or in their overall level of living.
There is a wide range of professionals who can carry out an assessment for ADHD that includes Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists are experts on how the brain works, but are not qualified to prescribe medications, therefore they cannot recommend counseling. Psychologists are able to diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication if necessary.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient with ADHD is in need of medication, they will write a prescription and send it to the local pharmacy. This is done under the supervision of the doctor and should be completed within three months from the private assessment to ensure that the individual is able to fully adjusted to their final dose of medication. If the GP accepts to continue to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD assessment, the Psychiatrist can write a detailed report with treatment recommendations. They can also draft a Shared Care Agreement.