ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
To give people an accurate diagnosis for ADHD the NHS requires a thorough assessment. The BBC investigation revealed that some private clinics may be giving out unreliable diagnosis and inappropriate medication.
A reliable diagnosis for ADHD is determined by the number, severity of, duration and impact of symptoms. The clinician will interview the individual and examine the medical or psychiatric history, as well as family and personal history.
Diagnosis
For those who believe they have symptoms that could be related to ADHD being diagnosed is the first step in getting treatment and taking control over their lives. If they suspect they may have ADHD or someone in their family or a friend has suggested it, obtaining the diagnosis will help them manage their symptoms.
Patients must first discuss their issues with the GP. Inform them of your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. The doctor will recommend them to a skilled mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist should be a skilled psychiatrist who has received specific training in the field. This is important because it allows the psychiatrist to be certain that they are applying 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 will also need to consider the patient's medical history and psychiatric past, starting from childhood. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test will not confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will have take into consideration all available information.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient doesn't meet all the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses, they will discuss their reasons. It could be because the patient has not given enough detail about their issues, or it might be that another medical condition is responsible for their behavior better than ADHD. Alternatively, it might be that the doctor believes that the patient's difficulties are caused by something else and not the condition.
Some people are unable to receive a correct diagnosis because of the prejudices espoused by certain health professionals. This is particularly true if you are a person who is of color, a woman at birth or do not speak English natively. However there is an increasing awareness of this issue and the NHS is working on tackling it.
Assessment
If you think you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should be evaluated by a health care provider who is familiar with such assessments. You could ask your doctor for a referral or consult with the local medical schools or hospitals to find out which professionals are qualified for an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also contact the local ADHD support group for a referral.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number, severity and duration of symptoms that affect particular areas of your life. This could include work, school and relationships. You may have problems with underachieving in school or work, or having trouble making and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or unorganised. It is important to talk about these problems and not be afraid to confront criticism.
There are many different 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 done either by a Psychiatrist who is qualified, or a Prescriber Qualified Special Nurse. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
You will usually be interviewed during an ADHD assessment, and it is important to bring a family member for assistance or to provide evidence. It is important to write down your symptoms, and how they impact your life. The doctor will ask you questions to discover more about your history and how you are currently functioning. They will also check your body to determine if there are any medical conditions which could be causing symptoms of ADHD.
You can also access an adult adhd private diagnosis through the NHS however it may take a long time due to the clogged NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for a private treatment and assessment through the "Right to Choose" option is more convenient. But, it is important to be aware that the quality of care offered by private practitioners varies widely and that it is essential to select your provider with care.
Medication
If you've struggled with symptoms of ADHD in adulthood it is a good idea to have a complete and thorough assessment. This will allow you to get the correct medication and assistance you require to manage your symptoms. There are a variety of private providers who provide this service. If private adhd assessment adults decide to choose one of them, it is important to research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their education and experience in managing neurodevelopmental disorders.
A large number of celebrities have been open about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. For example, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and stated that her diagnosis "made everything make sense". NHS waiting lists are overcrowded despite the an increase in awareness.
Therefore, GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services for a private diagnosis of ADHD. This is partly because they lack the time and, in certain instances they may not be able to locate a specialist with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions. In certain areas, the NHS staff may have to address other needs such as mental health assessments.
Many people believe that private companies offering ADHD assessments are unable to accurately diagnose those suffering from the condition. This could result in devastating effects for certain. The BBC Panorama programme raised this concern and there is a dire need to increase accessibility to specialized ADHD assessments.
Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder with the combination of behavioural therapy and medication. Stimulant medications such as amphetamine and methylphenidate can be used to enhance attention and impulse control and control, while non-stimulants with slower effects such as atomoxetine could be helpful in enhancing focus and productivity.
Some patients opt to use behavioural therapy and do not require medication. For those who require medication, a post-diagnostic package of care could be formulated at Priory. This will include a thorough medical report as well as a titration of the final dosage, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD may result in significant human and financial costs. It is crucial to provide a psychiatric evaluation and treatment program for all adults suffering from 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 help and manage an adult suffering from ADHD.
The first step is an interview with an expert in mental health who is trained to assess ADHD and related conditions. Patients should bring a list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health concerns to the initial appointment. This appointment will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history and their family history. It will also look at how ADHD symptoms affect the individual's daily functioning and their relationships.
In this process the doctor will ensure that the symptoms are in line with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must be evident in two different settings of the individual's life (either at home or at work). It should affect their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This could take the form of difficulties in keeping a job, trouble in marriage, or having to deal with finances, problems at school or in their overall level of living.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. Psychologists understand how the brain works, but are not qualified to prescribe medications, so can only suggest counselling. Psychologists are able to diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication when required.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the person has ADHD requires medication, they will prescribe a prescription to local pharmacists. This is under the supervision and guidance of the Psychiatrist, and should be completed in three months from the private assessment. This will allow the patient to fully titrate into their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue prescribing ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD evaluation The Psychiatrist can provide a comprehensive report with treatment recommendations. They will also draft the Shared Care Agreement.