ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS

The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough evaluation in order to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation highlighted that some private clinics may be handing out incorrect diagnoses and medications.

A legitimate diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number, severity of, duration and impact of symptoms. The clinician will interview and analyze the patient's medical, ADHD assessment for adults mental health and family background.

Diagnosis

Adults who experience symptoms that they believe may be ADHD should seek a diagnosis to find the appropriate treatment and gain control of their life. If they feel that they might have the condition, or have been told by a family member or friend that a member suggest they might have it, getting the right diagnosis can help them find the treatments and support to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.

The first thing that patients must discuss their issues with an GP. Tell them about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The doctor will refer them to an experienced mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist is a psychiatrist who has undergone specialist training in this field. This is crucial because it means that the psychiatrist can be confident that they are applying the right criteria to diagnose ADHD.

The psychiatrist will ask the patient to bring their spouse or family members and acquaintances who are familiar with them. They must also consider the patient's medical history and mental health history, starting from childhood. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test cannot confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will have take into consideration all available information.

If the psychiatrist does not feel that the patient meets all of the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will explain the reason. It could be that 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 doctor believes that the patient's problems are caused by something else and not the condition.

Certain people have a tougher in obtaining a diagnosis due to the prejudices of some healthcare professionals. This is especially the case when they are a person of colour or a woman born at birth, or are not an English native speaker. However there is a growing awareness of the issue and the NHS is trying to tackle it.

The Assessment

If you're concerned that you might be suffering from ADHD you should get an assessment from a health care professional who has experience in conducting such assessments. You can ask your doctor for a referral or check with local medical schools or hospitals to find out which professionals are qualified for an ADHD assessment for adults. You may also ask for a referral from an ADHD support group in your area.

The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number, severity and duration of the symptoms in specific areas of your life. This includes relationships, school and work. You might experience issues in the form of underachieving at work or education or in difficulty in maintaining and forming relationships, and being unorganized or disorganised. It is essential to discuss these issues openly and not hide from the fear of criticism.

There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultants psychiatrists. To provide a formal diagnosis of ADHD it should be carried out either by a Psychiatrist who is qualified, or a Special Nurse who is a Prescriber Qualified. Only a Psychiatrist is qualified to prescribe medication for ADHD.

You are usually questioned during an ADHD assessment and it is crucial to bring someone from your family to offer support or evidence. It is beneficial to write down your symptoms, and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask you questions to learn about your past and present functioning. They will also examine you to see whether there are any medical conditions that could be responsible for your ADHD symptoms.

The NHS can also offer an adult adhd diagnosis privately however this could take a very long time due to the backed up NHS waiting lists. Some people find that paying out of pocket for a private treatment or assessment via the "Right to Choose" option is more convenient. It is important to keep in mind that the quality and cost of private treatment can vary dramatically.

Medication

It is beneficial to have a thorough and full assessment if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms in adulthood. This will allow you to get the right medication and the assistance you require to manage your symptoms. There are numerous private providers of this service but, should you decide to go this route it is crucial to research the reputation of your chosen psychiatrist and the level of their expertise and training in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders.

A lot of public figures have been open about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. Sue Perkins, the host of Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. She claimed that the diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". NHS waiting lists are still overcrowded despite the increasing awareness.

In order to avoid this, GPs often hesitate to refer their patients to specialist services in order to obtain an individual ADHD diagnosis. This is due to the fact that they lack the time or resources and, in some cases they may not be able to locate a specialist with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions. In certain areas, this is further exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff are often tasked with other care needs like mental health assessments.

There are those who believe that private companies offering ADHD assessments over-diagnose those suffering from the condition. This could result in devastating effects for certain. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue and there is a dire need to increase access to specialized ADHD assessments.

Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is possible to treat it by combining therapy for behavioural issues and medication. Stimulant drugs such as amphetamine and methylphenidate can be utilized to boost focus and productivity, while non-stimulants with a slower onset like atomoxetine are beneficial for improving attention and impulse control.

Certain patients choose only behavioural therapy and do not require medication. For those who require medication, a post-diagnostic package of care can be created at Priory. This will include a comprehensive report and titration for the final dose which can be shared with your GP.

Post-diagnostic treatment

A diagnosis of ADHD can have significant human and financial costs. It is crucial to conduct a psychiatric assessment and treatment program for all adults with ADHD. This should include medication and practical and psychological assistance and family therapy if appropriate. This should also include the workplace and family members on how to better manage and support an adult with ADHD in their daily life.

The first step is to interview with an expert in mental health care who is trained to assess ADHD and other related disorders. Patients are required to bring a written list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health concerns to the initial appointment. This interview will review the patient's medical, mental health and family background. It will also examine 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 manifest in two different places (home or work) of the person's daily life. It should interfere with the person's normal functioning, and cause a lot of distress. This can 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 quality of life.

Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment. Psychologists understand the way that brains work however, they are not qualified to prescribe medications, so can only recommend counselling. Psychologists can diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication when needed.

If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the person with ADHD is in need of medication, they will prescribe the medication and supply it to the local pharmacy. This is under the supervision and direction by the Psychiatrist. The procedure should be completed within three months from the private assessment. This allows the patient to fully adjust their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue NHS prescribing following the private adhd symptoms in adults assessment The Psychiatrist will present them with a complete report and treatment suggestions and will draft an Shared Care Agreement with the GP.