ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough examination in order to get the correct ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation found that some private clinics might be handing an unreliable diagnosis or prescribing the wrong treatment.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on the symptoms and their severity, duration and impact. The doctor will interview the individual and examine the medical, psychiatric, family and personal background.
If you are an adult who believes that you have symptoms that could be connected to ADHD being diagnosed is the first step in finding treatment and gaining control over their lives. If they feel they have ADHD or they have a family member or a friend who has suggested it, the diagnosis will aid in managing their symptoms.
Patients should first discuss their concerns with a GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they affect your daily routine. The doctor will then direct them to a specialist mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be a seasoned psychiatrist who has had specialist training in the area. This is crucial because it means that the psychiatrist can be confident that they have used the correct criteria for diagnosing ADHD.
The psychiatrist will ask the patient to bring their spouse or family members and friends 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 how they affect the patient's life. There is no brain scan or blood test that can be used to confirm an ADHD diagnosis, so the psychiatrist will need to assess all the available information.
If the psychiatrist feels that the patient does not meet all the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses the psychiatrist will be able to explain why. It could be that the patient has not given sufficient detail about their difficulties, or it might be that another condition explains their behavior better than ADHD. It could also be that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's problems are due to something else, rather than ADHD.
Some people have a harder in obtaining a diagnosis because of the prejudices of some healthcare experts. This is particularly true if you are a person who is of color, a woman at birth or do not speak English natively. However, there is a growing awareness of this issue and the NHS is working to address the issue.
Assessment
If you are concerned that you might be suffering from ADHD you should seek an assessment from a health care professional who has experience in conducting such assessments. You could 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 for a referral from an ADHD support group in your area.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number, severity and duration of symptoms that affect particular areas of your life. This could include work, school and relationships. You may have problems with being unable to perform at school or at working, having difficulties forming and maintaining relationships, or being unorganized or forgetful. It is crucial to discuss these issues and not be afraid of criticism.
From GPs to psychiatrists who consult, there are many healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment. To make a formal diagnosis of ADHD it should be carried out either by a Psychiatrist who is qualified or a Special Nurse who is a Prescriber Qualified. Only a Psychiatrist is qualified to prescribe medication for ADHD.
During an ADHD assessment, you will be interviewed. It is important to bring a family member to help or provide evidence. It is also beneficial to write down your symptoms and how they have impacted your life. The doctor will ask questions to collect details about your past and how you are doing. They will also check your body to determine if there are any medical conditions which could cause the symptoms of ADHD.
You can also get an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS however it may take some time due to the logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some people find that paying out of pocket for a private treatment and evaluation through the "Right to Choose" option is more convenient. It is important to keep in mind that the cost and quality of private treatment can vary dramatically.
Medication
If you have been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in adulthood it is a good idea to have a complete and thorough assessment. This will enable you to receive the correct medication and help you require to manage your symptoms. There are many private providers of this service, but if you choose to pursue this option it is essential to investigate the reputation of your chosen psychiatrist and the level of their knowledge and training with neurodevelopmental disorders.
A lot of public figures have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. For instance, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and said that the diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". NHS waiting lists are overcrowded despite the increased awareness.
In the end, GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services in the event of a private diagnosis of ADHD. This is largely because they don't have the time, and in some cases, they may not be able to find a specialist who is knowledgeable in neurodevelopmental disorders. In some areas, this is further exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff may be being tasked with other health requirements, like mental health assessments.
There is also a perception that some private companies that offer ADHD assessments are prone to misdiagnosing people with the condition, and this can result in devastating consequences for certain people. This issue was highlighted by the BBC Panorama program and there is an urgent need to increase access to ADHD assessments.
If you've been diagnosed as having ADHD it is possible to treat it with a combination of behavioural therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are used to improve focus and productivity, while non-stimulants with a slower onset like atomoxetine are useful for improving your attention and impulse control.
Some patients opt for the behavioural approach, and do not need medication. Priory can create an after-diagnostic care plan for those who require medication. This includes a detailed medical report and titration of the final dosage, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic care
A diagnosis of ADHD can result in significant human and financial costs. It is important to provide a psychiatric examination and treatment program for all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medication, psychological and practical assistance and family therapy if needed. This should also include 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 appointment with a mental health professional who is certified to assess ADHD or other issues. Patients should bring a list of their symptoms and any other mental health issues to the first appointment. This appointment will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history and their family history. It will also look at the effects of ADHD on the person's everyday life and relationships.
During this process the doctor will check whether the symptoms are in line with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must appear in two different environments (home or at work) of the individual's daily life. It must interfere with their normal functioning and cause significant distress or impairment. This could take the form of a problem in keeping a job or coping with finances or marriage, problems in school or their general quality of life.
There are a range of professionals who carry out an assessment for ADHD, including Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists are trained in the functioning of the brain, however they cannot prescribe medication. They are able to provide advice. Psychologists can diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication if required.
If the Psychiatrist decides that the patient has ADHD needs medication, they will write a prescription for local pharmacists. This is under the supervision of the doctor and should be completed within three months of the private assessment to ensure that the individual is able to be adjusted to their final dose of medication. If the GP is in agreement to continue prescribing ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD evaluation The Psychiatrist can write a detailed report that includes treatment recommendations. They will also draw up an agreement known as a Shared Care Agreement.