ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that people undergo a thorough evaluation 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 medication.
A reliable diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity, number, duration and impact of symptoms. The doctor will interview and analyze the patient's medical, mental health and family background.
Diagnosis
Adults who have symptoms they believe might be ADHD should seek out a diagnosis to determine the best treatment and control their life. Whether they have an instinct that they may have the condition, or have been told by a family member or friend that a member suggest they might have it, getting the right diagnosis can help them discover the treatments and support to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
Patients must first discuss their issues with an GP. Inform them of your symptoms 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 one who has undergone specialist training in this field. This is crucial because it allows the psychiatrist to be sure that they're applying the correct criteria to determine ADHD.
The psychiatrist will ask the patient to bring their partner or close family members and acquaintances who are familiar with them. They will also need to examine the patient's medical history as well as mental health history, starting from childhood. They will also take into account the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the patient's life. There isn't a blood test or brain scan that can confirm an ADHD diagnosis, so the psychiatrist must evaluate all of the information available.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient does not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses, they will discuss their reasons. It could be that the patient did not provide sufficient information about their issues or another condition better explains their behavior than ADHD. It could also be that the doctor believes that the patient's problems are due to something else and not the ADHD condition.
Some people have a difficult to receive a correct diagnosis because of the prejudices of some healthcare professionals. This can be especially the case when they are a person of colour or a woman born at birth, or are not an English speaker. The NHS is trying its best to solve this problem.
The Assessment
If you think you might have ADHD, you should be evaluated by a healthcare professional who is familiar with such evaluations. You can ask your doctor to refer you or check with local medical schools or hospitals to find out who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also ask a local ADHD support group for an appointment.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the amount, severity and duration of the symptoms in certain areas of one's life. These include relationships, school and work. There are many reasons to be concerned about underachieving in school or work, or having trouble forming and maintaining relationships, or being unorganized or forgetful. It is essential to discuss these issues openly and not hide from fear of being criticized.
From GPs and consultant psychiatrists There are a myriad of healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. However, in order to officially recognize a diagnosis of ADHD the assessment must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist, or Prescriber qualified specialist nurse. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
You are usually questioned during an ADHD assessment and it is crucial to bring along someone from your family to offer support or to show evidence. It is important to write down your symptoms, and how they impact your life. The doctor will ask questions to discover more about your history and how you are currently functioning. They will also examine your body to determine if there are any medical conditions which could cause the symptoms of ADHD.
The NHS can also provide an adult adhd diagnosis privately however this could take a considerable amount of time because of the overflowing NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pockets for private assessments and treatments via the 'Right to Choice' pathway. It is important to keep in mind that the cost and quality of private treatment can vary greatly.
Medication
It is recommended to have a thorough and full assessment if you struggle with ADHD symptoms in adulthood. This will help you get the right medication and support you need to manage your symptoms. There are private adhd assessment of this service but, if you choose to go down this route, it is important to investigate the reputation of your chosen psychiatrist and the level of their knowledge and training with neurodevelopmental disorders.
A high number of public figures have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. Sue Perkins, 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". However, despite the increasing awareness, NHS waiting lists remain overflowing with people wanting to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
In order 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 don't have the time or resources, and in some cases they may not be able to locate a specialist who is knowledgeable in neurodevelopmental disorders. In certain areas, NHS staff might have to deal with other needs like 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. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue, and there is a real need to improve access to specialist ADHD assessments.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, you can treat it with a combination of behavioural therapy and medication. The stimulant medications like methylphenidate and amphetamine can be used to enhance attention and impulse control as well as slower-acting non-stimulants such as atomoxetine could be helpful in enhancing concentration and productivity.
Certain patients choose only treatment for behavioural issues and do not require medication. For those who need to take medication, a post-diagnostic plan of care can be created at Priory. This includes a detailed medical report, as well as a titration for the final dose, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can have significant human and financial costs. This is why it is so important that a psychiatric evaluation and treatment programme be made available to all adults with ADHD. This should include medication as well as psychological and practical assistance, as well as family therapy, if needed. This should also extend to the workplace and family members on how to better manage and support an adult with ADHD in their daily life.
The first step involves an interview with a mental health professional who is qualified to assess ADHD or other conditions. Patients should bring a list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health concerns to the initial appointment. The interview will cover the patient's medical, mental health and family history. It will also discuss the effects of ADHD on the individual's daily life and relationships.
During this process the doctor will ensure that the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must be evident in two places of the individual's life (either at home or at work). It must affect their normal functioning and result in significant distress or impairment. This may be in the form of difficulties in getting a job, problems with marriage or coping with finances, problems at school or in their overall level of living.
There are a variety of professionals who can conduct an assessment for ADHD, including Psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists are trained in the function of the brain, however they cannot prescribe medication. They are able to provide counselling. Psychologists are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD and may prescribe medications if necessary.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient with ADHD requires medication, they will write a prescription and send it to a local pharmacy. This is under the supervision and guidance of the Psychiatrist, and is expected to be completed within three months following the private assessment. This allows the patient to fully titrate into their final dosage of medication. If the GP agrees to continue NHS prescribing after the private ADHD assessment The Psychiatrist will provide them with a a comprehensive report and treatment recommendations and will draft a Shared Care Agreement with the GP.