ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that people undergo a thorough assessment in order to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation found that some private clinics may be giving an unreliable diagnosis or prescribing the wrong medications.
A valid diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity, number of, duration and impact of symptoms. The doctor will interview the individual and examine the medical, psychiatric, family and personal background.
Diagnosis
For adults who feel they have symptoms that could be connected to ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step in 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 be suffering from it, obtaining the right diagnosis can help them find the treatments and support to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
Patients should first discuss their concerns with an GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they impact your daily routine. The doctor will refer them to an expert mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist must be a psychiatrist who has completed specialist training in this area. This is crucial because it lets the psychiatrist be certain that they are using the right criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will conduct an interview with the patient and frequently ask them to bring in their partner, or close family members and friends who know them well. They will also need to examine the patient's medical history and psychiatric past, starting from childhood. They will also take into consideration the severity of symptoms and the effects on the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test will not confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will have to consider all the available information.
If the psychiatrist does not believe that the patient meets all the criteria required for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will explain the reason. It could be because the patient has not given sufficient details about their problems or that another medical condition is responsible for their behavior more effectively than ADHD. It could also be that the doctor believes that the patient's difficulties stem from something else, rather than ADHD.
Some people find it harder to receive a correct diagnosis because of the prejudices espoused by certain healthcare professionals. This is especially relevant if you're someone of color or a woman born or don't speak English natively. However, there is a growing awareness of the issue and the NHS is working to address the issue.
Assessment
If you are concerned you may have ADHD you should seek an evaluation from a health care professional who is experienced in conducting such assessments. You can ask your doctor for a referral or consult with local hospitals affiliated with universities or medical schools to see which professionals are qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also ask an individual from your local ADHD support group for recommendations.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the amount, severity and duration of symptoms in particular areas of life. These could include work, school and relationships. You might be struggling with underachieving in school or working, having difficulties making and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or unorganised. It is crucial to discuss these issues and not be afraid of criticism.
There are a myriad of healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultant psychiatrists. To make a formal diagnosis of ADHD it must be performed either by a qualified Psychiatrist or a Special Nurse who is a Prescriber Qualified. Only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication for ADHD.
You are usually questioned during an ADHD evaluation and it is crucial to bring an adult family member to provide support or to show evidence. It is beneficial to write the symptoms you experience and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask you questions to gather information about your history and current condition. private adhd assessment manchester will also check your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that could be causing symptoms of ADHD.
You can also obtain an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS however it may take an extended time due to the clogged NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer 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 cost of private care can vary significantly.
Medication
It is recommended to have a thorough and complete assessment if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms into adulthood. This will allow you to get the right medication and the support you need to manage your symptoms. There are many private companies who offer this service. If you decide to use one of them, it is important that you research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their training, and their experience in dealing neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a variety 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 make sense". NHS waiting lists are overcrowded despite the an increase in awareness.
In order to avoid this, doctors frequently hesitate to refer their patients to specialist services to obtain an official ADHD diagnosis. In part, this is because they don't have the time or resources, and in some instances, they might not be able to find a specialist who is knowledgeable in neurodevelopmental disorders. In certain areas, NHS staff might have to handle other requirements like mental health assessments.
There is also a perception that some private companies offering ADHD assessments are prone to misdiagnosing people with the condition, which can have devastating consequences for some people. This concern was raised by the BBC Panorama program and there is an urgent need to improve access for ADHD tests.
If you've been given a personal diagnosis of ADHD, it is possible to treat the disorder by using a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. The stimulant medications like methylphenidate and amphetamine can be utilized to improve concentration and control of impulses, while slower acting non-stimulants such as atomoxetine could be beneficial in improving focus and productivity.
Some patients prefer to employ behavioural therapy and do not require medication. Priory can put together an after-diagnostic care plan for patients who require medication. This includes a detailed medical report, as well as a titration for the final dosage, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD may result in significant human and financial costs. This is why it is so important that a psychiatric evaluation and treatment program be accessible to all adults with ADHD. This should include medication and psychological and practical support as well as family therapy if appropriate. This should include family and workplace training on how to better support and manage an adult with ADHD.
The first step is an interview with an expert in mental health who is trained to assess ADHD and other related disorders. Patients must bring a list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health issues they may have to their first appointment. This appointment will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history and their family history. It will also discuss the impact of ADHD on the person's everyday life and relationships.
During this process the doctor will ensure 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 environments (home or work) of the person's daily life. It should affect their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This may be in the form of difficulties in keeping a job, trouble in marriage, or having to deal with finances, issues at school 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 functioning of the brain, but they are unable to prescribe medications. They can only provide counseling. Psychologists are 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 does need medication they will write a prescription and send it to a local pharmacy. This is done under the supervision of a Psychiatrist and must be completed within three months of the private assessment to ensure that the individual is able to fully titrated into their final dose of medication. If the GP accepts to continue NHS prescribing after the private ADHD assessment the Psychiatrist will provide them with a complete report and treatment recommendations and will create an Shared Care Agreement with the GP.