ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that people undergo a thorough examination for a proper ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation highlighted that some private clinics may be distributing incorrect diagnoses and medications.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on the symptoms and their severity, duration, and impact. The clinician will interview and examine the patient's medical, psychiatric and family background.
Diagnosis
Adults who experience symptoms that they believe may be ADHD should seek out a diagnosis to determine the right treatment and control their lives. If they feel that they may have the disorder, or have had a family or friend member suggest that they might have it, obtaining the correct diagnosis can allow them to find the appropriate treatment and help to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
The first thing that patients must do is discuss their concerns with a GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they affect your daily life. The GP will then refer them to a specialist mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist must be psychiatrist who has undergone specialist training in this field. This is crucial since it means that the psychiatrist can be sure that they are applying the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will talk to 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 consider the patient's medical history and the psychiatric history, beginning from childhood. They will also take into consideration the severity of symptoms and the impact on the patient's life. There is private adhd assessment or blood test that can confirm an ADHD diagnosis The psychiatrist will need to assess all the available information.
If the psychiatrist feels that the patient doesn't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will discuss their reasons. It could be that the patient hasn't given sufficient detail about their difficulties or that another condition explains their behavior better than ADHD. Alternatively, it might be that the doctor believes that the patient's problems are due to something else and not the condition.
Certain people find it difficult to obtain a diagnosis due to the prejudices of certain health professionals. This can be especially the case if they're someone of color or assigned a female birth, or are not an English speaking. However there is an increasing awareness of this problem and the NHS is working on tackling it.
The Assessment
If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other disorders, you should have an assessment by a health care provider who has experience in such tests. You can ask your personal physician for a recommendation or check with local university-based hospitals or medical schools to determine which professionals are qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. You may also ask for a referral from an ADHD support group in your region.
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 underachieving in school or work, having difficulty creating and maintaining relationships or being forgetful or unorganised. It is essential to address these issues and not be afraid to confront criticism.
There are a myriad of healthcare professionals that can conduct an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultants psychiatrists. However, in order to officially recognize a diagnosis of ADHD, it must be performed by a qualified Psychiatrist, or Prescriber Certified Specialist Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for ADHD.
In the course of an ADHD assessment you will be interviewed. It is essential to bring a family member along for support or as evidence. It is beneficial to write the symptoms you experience and how they impact your life. The doctor will ask questions to find out more about your life experiences and present functioning. They will also examine you to determine if you have any medical conditions that could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms.
You can also access an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS however, it could take some time due to the long 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 option. It is important to remember that the quality and price of private treatment can vary significantly.
Medication
If you have been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in your adulthood it is a good idea to have a full and thorough assessment. This will enable you to receive the correct medication and assistance you require to manage your symptoms. There are many private providers who provide this service. If you decide to choose one of them, it is important that you research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their training and experience in dealing neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a lot of celebrities have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD. For instance, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and stated that her diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". But, despite increased awareness, NHS waiting lists remain jam-packed with people wanting to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
To avoid this, doctors often do not recommend their patients to specialist services in order to obtain a private ADHD diagnosis. This is largely because they lack the time, and in certain instances, they might not be able to locate a clinician who has expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders. In some areas, the NHS staff may have to handle other requirements such as mental health assessments.
There is also a perception that certain private companies offering ADHD assessments are prone to over-diagnosing adults with the condition, and this can cause severe harm to some people. This concern was raised by the BBC Panorama program and there is a need to increase access to ADHD assessments.
If you've been given a personal diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder using a combination of treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant medications like amphetamine or methylphenidate can be utilized to boost focus and productivity, while non-stimulants with a slower onset like atomoxetine are beneficial for improving the ability to concentrate and control impulses.
Some patients opt for the behavioural approach and do not require medication. Priory can put together a post-diagnostic treatment package for those who require medication. 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 result in significant financial and human costs. This is why it is vital that a psychiatric examination and treatment program be made available to all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medications as well as psychological and practical support and family therapy where appropriate. This should also include workplace and family education on how to better manage and support an adult with ADHD in their daily life.
The first step is to interview with an expert in mental health who is trained to assess ADHD and related conditions. Patients are required to bring a list with their symptoms as well as any other mental health concerns they may have to their first appointment. This interview will examine the patient's medical and psychiatric history as well as their family history. It will also discuss the effects of ADHD on the person's everyday 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 be evident in two settings of the person's daily life (either home or work). It should affect their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This can take the form of difficulties in finding a job, issues 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 that can conduct an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are trained in the functioning of the brain, however they are unable to prescribe medications. They can only offer counselling. Psychiatrists are fully qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD, and can offer medication if needed.
If the Psychiatrist determines that the person has ADHD needs medication, they will write a prescription for an area pharmacist. This is under the supervision of a doctor and should be completed within three months from the private assessment to ensure that the person is able to be adjusted to their final dose of medication. If the GP accepts to continue NHS prescribing following the private ADHD assessment The Psychiatrist will provide them with an extensive report and treatment recommendations and will draw up a Shared Care Agreement with the GP.