ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough assessment in order to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation highlighted that some private clinics may provide incorrect diagnoses and medications.
A legitimate diagnosis of ADHD is based on the severity, number, duration and impact of symptoms. The physician will interview and examine the patient's medical, psychiatric and family medical history.
Diagnosis
If you are an adult who believes that you have symptoms that could be associated with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is a key step to finding treatment and gaining control over their lives. If they believe they suffer from ADHD or a family member or friend has suggested it, a diagnosis can aid in managing their symptoms.
The first thing that patients need to discuss their issues with the 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 has experience in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist is a psychiatrist who has undergone specialist training in this field. This is important as it means that the psychiatrist can be certain that they are using the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will request that the patient bring their spouse or family members and acquaintances who are familiar with them. They'll also need to consider the patient's medical and mental background from childhood to now. They will also be looking at the severity of symptoms and the impact on the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test can't confirm the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need take into consideration all available information available.
If the psychiatrist believes that the patient doesn't meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnoses and will then be able to explain why. It could be that the patient has not given sufficient detail about their difficulties or that a different condition is responsible for their behavior more effectively than ADHD. Alternatively, it might be that the psychiatrist feels that the patient's difficulties are due to something else and not due to the condition.
Some people are unable to obtain a diagnosis because of the prejudices of certain health professionals. This is particularly true if you are someone of color or a woman born or don't speak English natively. However, there is a growing awareness of this issue and the NHS is working to address the issue.
Assessment
If you're concerned that you may have ADHD you should get an assessment from a health care professional who is experienced in conducting these assessments. You can ask your personal physician to recommend a specialist or check at local universities' hospitals or medical schools to find out who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also contact an individual from your local ADHD support group for a referral.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the amount, severity and duration of the symptoms in particular areas of life. These include school, relationships and work. You might be struggling with not performing well in school or at working, having difficulties making and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or unorganised. It is crucial to talk about these problems openly and not hold back from the fear of criticism.
There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultants psychiatrists. To provide a formal diagnosis of ADHD it should be carried out either by a qualified Psychiatrist, or a qualified Prescriber Special Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist is qualified to prescribe medication for ADHD.
You are typically questioned during an ADHD evaluation and it is crucial to bring someone from your family to offer assistance or to provide evidence. It is beneficial to write down your symptoms, and how they impact your life. The doctor will ask questions to find out more about your history and how you are functioning. They will also examine you to determine if you have any medical conditions that could be responsible for your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS can also provide an adult adhd diagnosis that is private, but this can take a very long time because of the backed up NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pocket for a private assessment and treatment through the 'Right to Choose route. It is important to remember that the quality and cost of private healthcare can differ dramatically.
Medication
It is beneficial to get a comprehensive and full assessment if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms into adulthood. This will help you get the right medication and the assistance you require to manage your symptoms. There are many private providers that offer this service. If you decide to choose one of them, it is important to research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their education and experience managing neurodevelopmental disorders.
A lot of public figures 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 said that her diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". NHS waiting lists are still crowded despite increased awareness.
Therefore, GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD. In part, this is because they don't have the time, and in some instances, they might not be able to locate a specialist who is knowledgeable in neurodevelopmental disorders. In certain areas, the NHS staff might have to deal with other needs such as mental health assessments.
There is also a perception that certain private providers of ADHD assessments are over-diagnosing adults with the condition, which can cause severe harm to some people. The BBC Panorama programme raised this concern and there is a dire need to improve access to specialized ADHD assessments.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD, you can treat it by combining therapy for behavioural issues and medication. The stimulant medications like amphetamine and methylphenidate are utilized to enhance concentration and control of impulses and control, while non-stimulants with slower effects such as atomoxetine can be helpful in improving focus and productivity.
Some patients prefer to employ behavioural therapy and do not require medication. For those who require medication, a post-diagnostic plan of care can be formulated at Priory. This includes a detailed medical report, as well as a titration for the final dose, which could be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic care
A diagnosis of ADHD can have significant financial and human costs. This is why it is crucial that a psychiatric examination and treatment programme be made available to all adults with ADHD. This should include medications, psychological and practical support and family therapy if needed. This should also extend to family and workplace education about how to better manage and assist an adult with ADHD in their daily life.
The first step is an interview with a mental health professional who is qualified to assess ADHD or other conditions. Patients must bring a written list of their symptoms, as well as 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 the ADHD symptoms affect the individual's daily functioning and how they affect their relationships.
In this process the doctor will confirm that the symptoms are in line with the criteria for ADHD that are defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must be present in two settings of the person's life (either at home or at work). adhd assessment uk private should affect the person's normal functioning, and cause distress. This can take the form of a problem finding a job or dealing with marriage or finances, problems in school or their overall quality of living.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are trained in the functioning of the brain, but they cannot prescribe medication. They are able to provide counseling. Psychologists are fully trained to diagnose and treat ADHD and offer medications if required.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient with ADHD is in need of medication, they will prescribe the medication and supply it to a local pharmacy. This is done under the supervision of a doctor and must be completed within three months from the private assessment to ensure that the patient is able to be adjusted to their final dose of medication. If the GP is willing to continue NHS prescribing after the private ADHD assessment, the Psychiatrist will provide them with complete report and treatment suggestions and will draft a Shared Care Agreement with the GP.