ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS

The NHS requires that people undergo a thorough assessment in order to get the correct ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation revealed that a few private clinics might be handing out unreliable diagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms that are severe, their duration and impact. The doctor will interview and analyze the patient's medical, psychiatric and family history.

Diagnosis

For adults who feel they have symptoms that could be associated with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is a key step to getting treatment and taking control over their lives. If they are aware that they may 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 patients must do is discuss their concerns with an GP. Inform them of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The GP will refer them to a seasoned mental health professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be an experienced psychiatrist who has had specialist training in the area. This is important as it means that the psychiatrist can be sure that they are applying the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD.

The psychiatrist will interview the patient and often request their spouse or close relatives and Private Adult ADHD Diagnosis friends who are familiar with them. They will also need to examine the patient's medical and psychiatric history from childhood onwards. They will also have to consider the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test cannot confirm the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will have take into consideration all available information.

If the psychiatrist does not think that the patient is meeting all the criteria required for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reason. It could be that the patient didn't provide sufficient information about their issues or another condition could be more responsible for their behavior than adhd adults. It could also be that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's difficulties stem from something else, and not ADHD.

Certain people have a tougher time getting a proper diagnosis because of the prejudices of certain healthcare experts. This is particularly the case if you're an individual of color or a woman born or do not speak English natively. However there is an increasing awareness of this problem and the NHS is working to address the issue.

Assessment

If you are concerned that you might have ADHD you should get an evaluation from a health care professional who is experienced in conducting these tests. You can ask your doctor to recommend a specialist or check with local university-based hospitals or medical schools to find out which professionals are qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. You can also contact a local ADHD support group for an appointment.

A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number of, severity and duration of symptoms that affect specific areas of your life. These include relationships, school and work. You might experience issues that result in you not performing in your education or at work as well as difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships and being forgetful or disorganized. It is important to talk about these problems and not be afraid to confront criticism.

From GPs and consultant psychiatrists There are a myriad of healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. However, to provide a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD, it must be conducted by a qualified Psychiatrist, or Prescriber Qualified Specialist Nurse. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.

In the course of an ADHD assessment you will be questioned. It is crucial to bring a family member with you to provide support or evidence. It is important to write down your symptoms, and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask questions to discover more about your history and how you are currently functioning. They will also check your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that may be causing symptoms of ADHD.

The NHS can also provide a private adult adhd diagnosis however, this could take a long time due to the backed up NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pocket for an assessment and treatment that is private through the 'Right to Choose route. It is important to remember that the cost and quality of private treatment can vary significantly.

Medication

It is a good thing to have a thorough and full assessment if you struggle with ADHD symptoms as you age. This will allow you to get the right medication, and the support that you require to manage the symptoms. There are a variety of private providers who provide this service. If you choose to go with one of them, it is essential that you research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their education and experience dealing neurodevelopmental disorders.

A large number of public figures have spoken out 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 stated that this diagnosis "made everything seem to make sense". NHS waiting lists are still full despite an increase in awareness.

As a result, GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services for a private diagnosis of ADHD. This is partly because they lack the time or resources and, in certain instances they may not be able to find a clinician with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions. In some areas, this is further exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff may be being tasked with other health requirements such as mental health assessments.

Many people believe that private providers of ADHD assessments over-diagnose adults with the condition. This can have devastating effects for certain. The BBC Panorama programme raised this concern and there is a dire need to increase access to specialized ADHD assessments.

Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder using the combination of treatment for private adult adhd diagnosis behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and amphetamine can be utilized to improve the ability to control impulses and attention, while slower acting non-stimulants like atomoxetine are beneficial in improving concentration and productivity.

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

Post-diagnostic treatment

A diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by significant human and financial costs. This is why it's so important that a psychiatric assessment and treatment program be accessible to all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medication, psychological and practical assistance and family therapy if appropriate. This should include family and workplace training on how to better support and manage an adult suffering from ADHD.

The first step is an interview with a mental healthcare professional who is certified to evaluate ADHD or other conditions. Patients should bring a list of their symptoms and any other mental health concerns they have to this first appointment. The interview will look into the patient's medical and psychiatric history and their family history. It will also examine how the ADHD symptoms impact the patient's daily functioning and how they affect their relationships.

During this process the doctor will make sure whether 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 settings (home or work) of the person's everyday life. It should affect the person's normal functioning and cause a lot of distress. This could take the form of difficulties in finding a job, issues with marriage, or dealing with finances, problems at school or in their overall level of living.

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

If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient with ADHD does need medication, they will prescribe the medication and give it to the local pharmacy. This is under the supervision of a doctor and should be completed within three months of the private assessment to ensure that the person is able to be titrated into their final dose of medication. If the GP agrees to continue NHS prescribing after the private ADHD assessment, the Psychiatrist will present them with a complete report and treatment recommendations and will draft an Shared Care Agreement with the GP.