ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that people undergo a thorough assessment in order to receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation found that some private clinics might be handing inaccurate diagnoses and prescribing inappropriate treatment.
A reliable diagnosis for ADHD is based on the number, severity of, duration and impact of symptoms. The physician will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and family history.
Diagnosis
Adults with symptoms they believe could be ADHD should seek a diagnosis to find the right treatment and control their lives. Whether they have an instinct that they may have the disorder, or have been told by a family member or friend that a member suggest that they might have it, obtaining the right diagnosis can help them find the treatments and support to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
Patients must first discuss their issues with the GP. Tell them about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The GP will then direct them to a specialist mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist must be one who has completed specialized training in this area. This is important as it means that the psychiatrist can be certain that they are applying the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will request that the patient bring their spouse or close family members and friends who are familiar with them. They will also need to look at the patient's medical and psychiatric background from childhood to now. They will also have to consider the severity of the symptoms and how they have impacted the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test will not confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need to take into account all available information available.
If the psychiatrist believes that the patient does not meet all the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses, they will explain their reasoning. It could be that the patient didn't provide enough information about their issues or another condition better explains their behavior than ADHD. It could also be that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's difficulties are due to something else, and not ADHD.
Certain people have a tougher in obtaining a diagnosis because of the prejudices of certain healthcare experts. This is particularly the case when they are a person of colour or a woman born at birth, or are not an English native speaker. The NHS is doing its best to solve this problem.
Assessment
If you are concerned that you may have ADHD you should get an assessment from a health care professional who has experience in conducting these assessments. You may ask your physician for a referral or check with the local medical schools or hospitals to determine who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also ask an individual from your local ADHD support group for an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number of, severity and duration of symptoms that affect particular areas of your life. This could include school, work and relationships. You may experience problems that result in you not performing in your education or at work, difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships and being forgetful or disorganised. It is important to discuss these problems openly and not hold back from fear of being criticized.
There are a myriad of healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultants psychiatrists. However, in order to officially recognize a diagnosis of ADHD the assessment must be performed by a qualified Psychiatrist or a Prescriber Qualified Specialist Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication for ADHD.
In an ADHD assessment you will be interviewed. It is essential to bring a loved one along for support or as evidence. It is beneficial to write down your symptoms, and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask questions to collect information about your background and how you are doing. They will also examine your body to determine if you have any medical conditions which could be causing the symptoms of ADHD.
You can also obtain an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS however, it could take an extended time due to the clogged NHS waiting lists. Some people find that paying out of pocket for private treatment or assessment via the "Right to Choose" route is simpler. It is important to remember that the quality and price of private healthcare can differ significantly.
Medication
It is recommended to get a comprehensive and thorough assessment if are struggling with ADHD symptoms into adulthood. This will enable you to get the right medication, and the support that you need to manage symptoms. There are many private providers that offer this service. If you choose to go with one of them, it is crucial to investigate the reputation of the psychiatrist, their training and experience in managing neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a number of prominent people have opened up about their struggles with ADHD. For example, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and stated that her diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". NHS waiting lists are still full despite increased awareness.
As a result, GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services for a private diagnosis of ADHD. This is largely because they lack the time or resources, and in some cases, they may not be able to locate a clinician who has expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders. In certain areas, NHS staff might have to deal with other needs such as mental health assessments.
Some people also believe that private providers of ADHD assessments are too quick to diagnose those suffering from the condition. This can have devastating consequences for some. This issue was brought up by the BBC Panorama program and there is an urgent need to increase access to ADHD assessments.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is possible to treat it by combining behavioural therapy and medication. Stimulant medications such as amphetamine and methylphenidate can be used to enhance the ability to control impulses and attention, while slower acting non-stimulants such as atomoxetine can be helpful in improving concentration and productivity.
Some patients choose to only use behavioural therapy and do not require medication. For those who require medication, a post-diagnostic program of care can be created at Priory. This includes a detailed medical report as well as a titration of the final dose, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can have significant financial and human cost. This is why it's so important that a psychiatric assessment and treatment programme be accessible to all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medication as well as psychological and practical support and family therapy where appropriate. This should include both workplace and family education on how to better support and manage an adult suffering from ADHD.
The first step is to interview with a mental health professional who is trained to assess ADHD and related conditions. Patients should bring a list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health issues they have to the initial appointment. The interview will go over the patient's medical, psychiatric, and family history. It will also discuss the impact of ADHD on the individual's daily life and relationships.
During this process the doctor will check that the symptoms are consistent with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must appear in two different settings (home or at work) of the individual's daily life. It must affect their normal functioning and cause significant distress or impairment. This can 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 that can conduct an ADHD assessment. Psychologists understand how the brain works however they are not able to prescribe medication, and can only recommend counselling. Psychologists are able to diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication if required.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient with ADHD is in need of medication, they will write a prescription and supply it to the local pharmacy. This is under the supervision of the Psychiatrist and should be completed within three months after the private assessment to ensure that the patient is able to fully adjusted to their final dosage of medication. If cost of private adhd assessment agrees to continue NHS prescribing after the private ADHD assessment The Psychiatrist will provide them with a comprehensive report and treatment recommendations and will create an Shared Care Agreement with the GP.