ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS

The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough assessment in order to get the correct ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation revealed that a few private clinics might be handing an unreliable diagnosis or prescribing the wrong medication.

A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms, their severity, duration, and impact. 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 and are seeking a diagnosis, it is the first step in finding a treatment and gaining control of their lives. If they suspect they may have ADHD or a family member or friend has suggested it, getting the diagnosis will aid them in managing their symptoms.

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 GP will refer them to an experienced mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist should be a skilled psychiatrist who has had specific training in the field. This is essential because it allows the psychiatrist to be certain that they are using the right criteria to determine ADHD.

The psychiatrist will talk to the patient and ADHD may request their partner, or close friends and relatives who know them well. They must also take into account the patient's medical history as well as the psychiatric history, beginning from childhood. They will also be looking at the severity of the symptoms and the impact on the patient's daily life. A brain scan or blood test will not confirm the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will have to take into account all available information.

If the psychiatrist does not believe that the patient meets all the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will explain why. It could be that the patient did not give enough details about their difficulties or that another condition could be more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. It could also be that the therapist believes that the patient's issues result from something else and not ADHD.

Certain people find it difficult to obtain a diagnosis due to the prejudices of certain healthcare professionals. This can be especially the case if they are someone of color, assigned female at birth, or are not an English speaker. The NHS is trying its best to solve this problem.

Assessment

If you suspect that you might have ADHD, you should be evaluated by a healthcare professional who is familiar with such assessments. You may ask your physician for a recommendation or check with local university-based hospitals or medical schools to determine who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also contact an individual from your local ADHD support group for recommendations.

A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount, severity and duration of symptoms that impact specific areas of your life. These include relationships, school and work. You might be struggling with not performing well in school or at work, having difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or unorganised. It is essential to discuss these issues and not be afraid to confront criticism.

From GPs to psychiatrists who consult There are a myriad of healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. However, in order to be able to give a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD the assessment must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist or a Prescriber Certified Specialist Nurse. This is because only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.

During an ADHD assessment, you will be questioned. It is crucial to bring a family member along for support or as evidence. It is important to write your symptoms and how they impact your life. The doctor will ask you questions to collect information about your background and your current functioning. They will also look at your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD.

The NHS can also provide an adult adhd diagnosis privately however this could take a very long time due to the long NHS waiting lists. Some people find it easier to pay out of their own pocket for private assessments and treatments through the 'Right to Choose' pathway. However it is crucial to remember that the quality of care offered by private providers is a lot different and it is vital that you choose carefully.

Medication

It is beneficial to undergo a thorough and thorough assessment if struggle with ADHD symptoms into adulthood. This will help you get the right medication, and the assistance you need to manage symptoms. There are a variety of private providers that offer this service. If you decide to choose one of them, it is essential to investigate the reputation of the psychiatrist, their education and experience in treating neurodevelopmental disorders.

A high number of celebrities have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. Sue Perkins, the host of the Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. She claimed that the diagnosis "made everything seem to make sense". However, despite increasing awareness, NHS waiting lists remain full of people wanting to receive the right diagnosis and treatment.

In the end doctors are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services in the event of a private diagnosis of ADHD. This is due to the fact that they don't have the time or resources and, in certain instances, they may be unable to find a clinician with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions. In some areas, this is exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff may be tasked with other care needs such as mental health assessments.

There is also a perception that some private providers of ADHD assessments are prone to over-diagnosing adults with the condition, which can have devastating consequences for some people. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue and there is a real need to increase access to specialized ADHD assessments.

If you've been diagnosed as having ADHD it is possible to treat it using a combination therapy for behavioural issues and medication. Stimulant drugs such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are used to improve concentration and productivity, whereas slower-acting non-stimulants like atomoxetine are useful for improving your attention and impulse control.

Some patients prefer to utilize behavioural therapy and do not require medication. Priory can put together a post-diagnostic treatment package for patients who require medication. This will include a comprehensive report as well as a titration for the final dose, which can be shared with your GP.

Post-diagnostic care

A diagnosis of ADHD can result in significant human and financial costs. This is why it's so important that a psychiatric assessment and treatment programme be made available to all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medication, psychological and practical support, as well as family therapy, if needed. This should include family and workplace training on how to better support and manage an adult adhd private assessment suffering from ADHD.

The first step is an interview with an expert in mental health care who is trained to assess ADHD and other related disorders. Patients are required to bring a list with their symptoms and any other mental health concerns they have to this first appointment. This appointment will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history, as well as their family history. It will also discuss the impact of ADHD on the person's daily life and relationships.

In this process the doctor will confirm that the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD that are defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must manifest in two different settings (home or at work) of the person's daily life. It must affect their normal functioning and result in significant distress or impairment. This may be in the form of difficulties in getting a job, problems with marriage or coping with finances, problems at school or in their overall level of living.

Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals that can conduct an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are educated in the functioning of the brain, but they are not able to prescribe medication. They can only offer counseling. Psychiatrists are fully qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD and may prescribe medications if necessary.

If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the person suffering from ADHD requires medication, they will write a prescription and send it to a local pharmacy. This is done under the supervision and guidance by the Psychiatrist. The procedure is expected to be completed within three months following the private assessment. This will allow the individual to fully titrate into 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 write a detailed report with treatment recommendations. They will also draw up a Shared Care Agreement.