ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
For people to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD, the NHS requires a thorough examination. The BBC investigation found that certain private clinics could be distributing unreliable diagnoses and inappropriate medication.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms and their severity, duration and impact. The clinician will interview the patient and review the medical, psychiatric, family and personal history.
Diagnosis
Adults who have symptoms they believe could be ADHD should look for a diagnosis in order to find the right treatment and control their life. If they feel they have ADHD, or if a family member or friend has suggested it, obtaining an assessment can help them manage their symptoms.
The first thing patients should do is discuss their concerns with a GP. They should be able to discuss their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. The doctor will direct them to an expert mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be a psychiatrist who has undergone specialist training in this field. This is essential because it allows the psychiatrist to be sure that they're using the right criteria to determine ADHD.
The psychiatrist will request that the patient bring their spouse or close family members and friends who are familiar to them. They'll also have to look at the patient's medical and mental history from childhood onwards. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and the impact on the patient's daily life. A brain scan or blood test cannot confirm the 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 for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reason. It could be because the patient didn't provide enough information about their difficulties or that another condition better explains their behavior than ADHD. Alternatively, it might be that the psychiatrist feels that the patient's issues are due to something else and not the condition.
Some people have a difficult to receive a correct diagnosis due to the prejudices of certain healthcare medical professionals. This is particularly the case when they are someone of color or assigned a female birth or not a native English speaking. The NHS is doing its best to tackle this issue.
The Assessment
If you are concerned that you may have ADHD you should seek 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 local medical schools or hospitals to find out which professionals are qualified for an ADHD assessment for adults. You may also ask for a referral from an ADHD support group in your region.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity, number and duration of symptoms in specific areas of one's life. These include school, relationships and work. There are many reasons to be concerned about not performing well in school or at work, having difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or unorganised. It is crucial to talk about these problems openly and not be hesitant to speak out against fear of criticism.
From GPs and consultant psychiatrists, there are many healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. However, to be able to give a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD, it must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist or a Prescriber Certified Specialist Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist is qualified to prescribe medication for ADHD.
In 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 you questions to discover more about your history and how you are functioning. They will also examine your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that could cause the symptoms of ADHD.
You can also access an adult adhd private diagnosis through the NHS however, it could take a long time due to the logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for private treatment and assessment through the "Right to Choose" option is more convenient. It is important to keep in mind that the quality and price of private care 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 comprehensive assessment done. This will enable you to find the right medication and the support that you require to manage the symptoms. There are many private companies that offer this service. If you decide to use one of them, it is important to research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their education and experience in managing neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a variety of celebrities have come out about their struggles with ADHD. For example, 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 full despite an increase in awareness.
As a result doctors are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD. This is partly because they do not have the time or resources and, in certain instances they may not be able to locate a doctor with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions. In certain areas, NHS personnel may be required to handle other requirements like mental health assessments.
There are those who believe that private providers of ADHD assessments are too quick to diagnose people suffering from the condition. This could have devastating effects for certain. This concern was raised by the BBC Panorama program and there is a need to improve access for ADHD assessments.
If you've been given a personal diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder by using the combination of treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant medications like amphetamine or methylphenidate can be used to improve concentration and productivity, whereas slower-acting non-stimulants like atomoxetine are beneficial for improving your attention and impulse control.
Some patients opt to employ behavioural therapy and do not require medication. However, for those who require medication, a post-diagnostic plan of care can be created at Priory. This will include a thorough report as well as a titration for the final dose, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic care
A diagnosis of ADHD can result in significant human and financial costs. This is why it's so important that a psychiatric examination and treatment program be made available to all adults with ADHD. This should include medication, psychological and practical assistance, as well as therapy for families if it is appropriate. This should also extend to workplace and family education on how to better manage and assist an adult with ADHD in their daily life.
The first step is to interview with an expert in mental health care 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 concerns they have to the initial appointment. The interview will go over the patient's medical, psychiatric, and family history. It will also look at how the ADHD symptoms affect the person's daily functioning and their relationships.
During this procedure, the doctor will verify that the symptoms match the criteria for ADHD that are defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom has to be present in two different settings of the individual's life (either at home or at work). It should affect their normal functioning and cause significant distress or impairment. This can take the form of difficulties in securing a job, managing finances or marriage, problems in school or their overall quality of living.
There is a wide range of professionals who conduct an assessment for ADHD that includes Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists are trained in the functioning of the brain, however they cannot prescribe medication. They can only provide counseling. Psychologists can diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication when required.
If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the person with ADHD does need medication, they will write a prescription and supply it to the local pharmacy. This is under the supervision and guidance of the Psychiatrist, and is expected to be completed within three months after the private assessment. This will allow the individual to fully adjust to their final dosage of medication. If the GP agrees to continue NHS prescribing following the private ADHD assessment the Psychiatrist will present them with a a comprehensive report and treatment recommendations, and will create an Shared Care Agreement with the GP.