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 found that certain private clinics may provide incorrect diagnoses and medications.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms, their severity, duration and impact. The doctor will interview the individual and go over the medical or psychiatric history, as well as family and personal history.
Diagnosis
For those who believe they have symptoms that could be associated with ADHD being diagnosed is a key step to finding a treatment and gaining control of their lives. If they suspect they may have ADHD or someone in their family or a friend has suggested it, getting the diagnosis will help them manage their symptoms.
Patients should first discuss their concerns with an GP. Tell them about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The doctor will then direct them to a specialist mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be an experienced psychiatrist who has had special training in this area. This is crucial because it means that the psychiatrist will be certain that they are using 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 take into account the patient's medical history and the psychiatric history, beginning from childhood. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and the effects on the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test can't confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need to consider all the available information.
If the psychiatrist doesn't think that the patient is meeting all the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons. It could be that the patient didn't provide enough information about their issues or another medical condition is more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. It could also be that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's issues stem from something else, and not ADHD.
Some people are unable to get a proper diagnosis because of the prejudices of certain healthcare experts. This is especially the case if you're someone of color or a woman who was born, or do not speak English natively. However there is an increasing awareness of this problem and the NHS is trying to tackle it.
The Assessment
If you're concerned that you may have ADHD you should get an evaluation from a health care professional who has experience in conducting such assessments. You can ask your doctor to refer you or check with the local medical schools or hospitals to determine who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You may also ask the local ADHD support group for an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount of, severity and duration of symptoms that affect specific areas of your life. These include school, relationships and work. There are many reasons to be concerned about not performing well in school or at work, having difficulty creating and maintaining relationships or being forgetful or unorganised. It is important to discuss these problems openly and not hide from fear of criticism.
From GPs to psychiatrists who consult, there are many healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment. To provide a formal diagnosis of ADHD it must be done either by a Psychiatrist who is qualified, or a qualified Prescriber Special Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for ADHD.
In the course of an ADHD evaluation, you will be questioned. It is essential to bring a family member to help or provide evidence. It is also helpful to record your symptoms and how they have affected your life. The doctor will ask you questions to gather information about your history and your current functioning. They will also examine your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS can also offer an adult adhd diagnosis privately however, this could take a considerable amount of time because of the backed up NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pockets for a private assessment and treatment via the 'Right to Choice route. It is important to keep in mind that the quality and cost of private treatment can vary greatly.
Medication
It is beneficial to get a comprehensive and thorough assessment if are experiencing ADHD symptoms as you age. This will allow you to get the correct medication and support you need to manage your symptoms. There are many private companies that offer this service. If you decide to choose one of them, it is important to investigate the reputation of the psychiatrist, their education and experience treating neurodevelopmental disorders.
A lot of celebrities have been open about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. simply click for source , the host of the Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. She stated that this diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". NHS waiting lists are full despite increasing awareness.
Therefore, doctors are usually reluctant to refer patients to specialist services to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD. This is due to the fact that they don't have the time and, in certain instances they may not be able to locate a doctor who is skilled in neurodevelopmental disorders. In some areas, this is made worse by the fact that NHS staff are often assigned other requirements, such as mental health assessments.
There is also a perception that some private providers of ADHD assessments are prone to misdiagnosing people with the condition, which can have devastating consequences for some people. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue and there is a dire need to increase access to specialized ADHD tests.
Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD, it is possible to treat the disorder by using the combination of treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant medications like amphetamine and methylphenidate can be utilized to boost productivity and focus, while non-stimulants with a slower onset like atomoxetine are effective in improving your attention and impulse control.
Some patients choose to only 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 thorough medical report as well as a titration of the final dose, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic care
A diagnosis of ADHD can have significant financial and human cost. It is essential to provide a psychiatric examination and treatment plan for all adults with ADHD. This should include medications as well as psychological and practical support and family therapy where appropriate. This should also extend to family and workplace education about how to better manage and support an adult with ADHD in their daily lives.
The first step is an interview with a mental health professional who is certified to evaluate ADHD or other disorders. Patients must bring a written list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health concerns prior to their first appointment. The interview will cover the patient's medical, psychiatric and family background. It will also look at how ADHD symptoms affect the individual's daily life and relationships.
During this procedure 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 be present in two places of the person's daily life (either at home or at work). It should interfere with the person's normal functioning, and cause a lot of distress. This could take the form of a problem finding a job or coping with finances or marriage or school issues, or in their overall quality of life.
Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are trained in the function of the brain, but they are unable to prescribe medications. They can only offer counseling. Psychologists can diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication when necessary.
If the Psychiatrist determines that the patient has ADHD requires medication, they will write a prescription for local pharmacists. This is done under the supervision of the Psychiatrist and should be completed within three months from the private assessment to ensure that the person is able to fully adjusted to their final dosage of medication. If the GP is in agreement to continue prescribing ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD assessment the Psychiatrist will provide a thorough report with treatment recommendations. They will also prepare a Shared Care Agreement.