ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that people undergo a thorough examination in order to get the correct ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation revealed that some private clinics might be handing inaccurate diagnoses and prescribing inappropriate medications.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms and their severity, duration, and impact. The doctor will interview and analyze the patient's medical, mental health and family background.
Diagnosis
For adults who feel they have symptoms that could be associated with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is an essential step towards finding treatment and gaining control over their lives. Whether they have an instinct that they may have the condition, or have had a family or friend member suggest they might be suffering from it, obtaining the correct diagnosis can help them discover the treatment and support needed to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
Patients must first discuss their issues with the GP. Inform them of your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. The GP will then recommend them to a specialist mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be a seasoned psychiatrist who has undergone special training in this area. This is crucial because it means that the psychiatrist can be sure that they have used the correct criteria for diagnosing ADHD.
The psychiatrist will request that the patient bring their partner or close family members and acquaintances who are familiar with them. They'll also need to look at the patient's medical and mental background from childhood to now. They will also consider the severity of symptoms and the effects on the patient's life. There isn't a brain scan or blood test that can be used to confirm an ADHD diagnosis Therefore, the psychiatrist must evaluate all the available information.
If the psychiatrist does not believe that the patient meets all the criteria required for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain the reasons. It could be because the patient hasn't given enough detail about their issues, 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 difficulties result from something else rather than ADHD.
Some people have a harder in obtaining a diagnosis due to the prejudices of certain healthcare medical professionals. This can be especially the case if they are someone of color, assigned female at birth, or are not an English speaker. However, there is a growing awareness of this problem and the NHS is working to address the issue.
Assessment
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, you should have an assessment by a medical professional who is familiar with such evaluations. You may ask your physician for a referral or check with local medical schools or hospitals to find out the professionals who are qualified for an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also contact a local ADHD support group for a referral.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number, severity and duration of symptoms that impact specific areas of your life. These include school, relationships and work. You might experience issues that result in you not performing at work or education as well as difficulties in maintaining and forming relationships and being forgetful or disorganized. It is crucial to talk about these problems openly and not hold back from fear of criticism.
There are a myriad of healthcare professionals that can carry out an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultants psychiatrists. To make a formal diagnosis of ADHD it must be performed either by a qualified Psychiatrist, or a Prescriber Qualified Special Nurse. This is because only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
During an ADHD assessment, you will be interviewed. It is crucial to bring a family member with you to provide support or evidence. It is beneficial to write your symptoms and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask you questions to collect details about your past and how you are doing. They will also examine your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD.
You can also access an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS however, it could take a long time due to the clogged NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for a private treatment and evaluation through the "Right to Choose" route is simpler. It is important to keep in mind that the cost and quality of private healthcare can differ dramatically.
Medication
It is a good thing to get a comprehensive and complete assessment if you struggle with ADHD symptoms into adulthood. This will help you get the correct medication and assistance you require to manage your symptoms. There are a variety of private providers who offer this service. If you decide to choose one of them, it is important that you research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their education, and their experience in dealing neurodevelopmental disorders.
A lot of public figures 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 stated that the diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". However, despite the increased awareness, NHS waiting lists remain overflowing with people wanting to receive the right diagnosis and treatment.
As a result, GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD. This is due to the fact that they don't have the time or resources and, in certain instances they may not be able to locate a specialist with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions. In some areas, this is made worse by the fact that NHS staff are often tasked with other care requirements like mental health assessments.
There are those who believe that private companies offering ADHD assessments over-diagnose adults with the condition. private adult adhd assessment can have devastating effects for some. The BBC Panorama programme raised this concern and there is a real need to improve access to specialized ADHD assessments.
Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder with a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are used to improve productivity and focus, while slower-acting non-stimulants like atomoxetine are beneficial for improving your 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 plan of care can be created at Priory. This will include a thorough report as well as a titration for the final dose that can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic care
A diagnosis of ADHD could be accompanied by significant human and financial costs. This is why it's 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 if needed. This should also include workplace and family education on how to better manage and assist an adult with ADHD in their daily lives.
The first step is to schedule an interview with a mental health professional who is qualified to assess ADHD or other conditions. Patients should bring a written list of their symptoms and any other mental health concerns to the first appointment. The interview will look into the patient's medical and psychiatric history as well as their family history. It will also look at how ADHD symptoms impact the patient's daily functioning and their relationships.
During this procedure, the doctor will ensure whether the symptoms match with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must be evident in two settings of the individual's life (either home or work). It should affect their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This could take the form of having difficulty keeping a job, trouble in marriage, or having to deal with financial issues, difficulties at school or in their overall quality of life.
There are a range of professionals that can perform an assessment for ADHD, including Psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists are experts on how the brain works however they are not able to prescribe medication, and can only recommend counselling. Psychiatrists can diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication when necessary.
If the Psychiatrist determines that the person with ADHD is in need of medication, they will write a prescription and supply it to a local pharmacy. This is done under the supervision of a doctor and must be completed within three months after the private assessment to ensure that the individual has time to be fully adjusted to their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD assessment The Psychiatrist can provide a comprehensive report that includes treatment recommendations. They will also prepare the Shared Care Agreement.