ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
In order for people to receive an accurate diagnosis for ADHD, the NHS requires a thorough assessment. The BBC investigation revealed that a few private clinics may be giving inaccurate diagnoses and prescribing inappropriate treatment.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms and their severity, duration and impact. The doctor will interview the individual and go over the medical or psychiatric history, as well as family and personal background.
Diagnosis
Adults who experience symptoms that they believe may be ADHD should look for a diagnosis in order to find the appropriate treatment and control their life. If they believe they suffer from ADHD, or if a family member or friend has suggested it, getting the diagnosis will aid them in managing their symptoms.
The first thing patients should do is discuss their concerns with an GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they affect your daily life. The doctor will refer them to a seasoned mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be a seasoned psychiatrist who has undergone specialist training in the area. This is crucial since it means that the psychiatrist will be confident that they are using the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will conduct an interview with the patient and may request their partner, or close friends and relatives who are familiar with them. They will also need to look at the patient's medical and mental history from childhood onwards. They will also take into account the severity of the symptoms and how they have affected the patient's life. There isn't a brain scan or blood test that can confirm the ADHD diagnosis The psychiatrist will have to evaluate all the available information.
If the psychiatrist does not feel that the patient meets all the criteria required for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will explain why. It could be that the patient hasn't provided sufficient detail about their difficulties or that another medical condition is responsible for their behavior more effectively than ADHD. It could also be that the therapist believes that the patient's issues stem from something else, rather than ADHD.
Some people have a harder to receive a correct diagnosis due to the prejudices of some healthcare professionals. listen to this podcast can be especially the case when they are a person of colour or a woman born at birth or not a native English native speaker. However there is a growing awareness of this problem and the NHS is trying to tackle it.
Assessment
If you are concerned you might be suffering from ADHD you should seek an evaluation from a health healthcare professional who is skilled in conducting these assessments. You can ask your personal physician to recommend a specialist or check with local university-based hospitals or medical schools to determine who is qualified to perform an ADHD evaluation for adults. You could also seek a referral from an ADHD support group in your local area.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number of, severity and duration of symptoms that affect specific areas of your life. This could include school, work and relationships. You may experience problems in the form of underachieving in school or work or in difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or unorganized. It is essential to discuss these issues in a candid manner and not hide from fear of criticism.
There are a myriad of healthcare professionals that can conduct an ADHD assessment, from GP's to consultant psychiatrists. However, in order to be able to give a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD, it must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist, or a Prescriber Qualified Specialist Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication for ADHD.
You are typically questioned during an ADHD evaluation and it is crucial to bring along a family member for support or to show evidence. It is also helpful to write down your symptoms and how they have affected your life. The doctor will ask you questions to gather information about your history and current condition. They will also examine you to determine if there are any medical conditions that may be the cause of your ADHD symptoms.
You can also access an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS, but it can take some time due to the clogged NHS waiting lists. Some people find it easier to pay out of their own pockets for an assessment and treatment that is private through the 'Right To Choose route. However it is essential to be aware that the quality of care from private providers varies greatly and it is vital to select your provider with care.
Medication
If you've been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in adulthood, it is a good idea to get a thorough and comprehensive assessment done. This will enable you to receive the right medication and help you require to manage your symptoms. There are a variety of private providers of this service, but if you choose to go this route it is crucial to research the reputation of your selected psychiatrist, as well as their knowledge and training with neurodevelopmental disorders.
In recent months, a lot of prominent people have opened up about their struggles with ADHD. For instance, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and said that her diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". But, despite increasing awareness, NHS waiting lists remain full of people who want to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
In order to avoid this, doctors often do not recommend their patients to specialist services in order to obtain an official ADHD diagnosis. This is partly because they do not have the time and in certain instances they may not be able to find a clinician with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions. In certain areas, this is made worse by the fact that NHS staff could be being tasked with other health requirements, such as mental health assessments.
There is also a perception that some private companies offering ADHD assessments are over-diagnosing adults with the condition, and this can result in devastating consequences for certain people. The BBC Panorama programme raised this concern and there is a pressing need to increase accessibility to specialist ADHD assessments.
Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder using a combination of treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant medications like amphetamine and methylphenidate can be employed to increase productivity and focus, while non-stimulants that are slower-acting like atomoxetine can be useful for improving your attention and impulse control.
Some patients prefer to utilize behavioural therapy and do not require medication. Priory can put together a post-diagnostic treatment package for patients who require medication. This will include a comprehensive medical report, as well as a titration for the final dose, which could be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD could be accompanied by significant human and financial costs. It is essential to conduct a psychiatric assessment and treatment plan for all adults with ADHD. This should include medication, practical and psychological support, as well as therapy for families if it is appropriate. This should include both workplace and family training on how to better assist and manage an adult with ADHD.
The first step involves an interview with a mental health professional who is qualified to evaluate ADHD or other disorders. Patients must bring a written list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health issues to the first appointment. The interview will look into the patient's medical and mental health history as well as their family history. It will also discuss how the ADHD symptoms impact the patient's daily functioning and how they affect their relationships.
In this process the doctor will confirm that the symptoms are in line with the criteria for ADHD defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must appear in two different settings (home or at work) of the individual's daily life. It must interfere with the person's normal functioning and cause a lot of distress. This could take the form a difficulty in securing a job, managing finances or marriage, problems in school or their overall quality of life.
There is a wide range of professionals who can conduct an assessment for ADHD that includes Psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists know the way that brains work, but are not qualified to prescribe medication, and can only suggest counselling. Psychologists are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD, and can offer medications if necessary.
If the Psychiatrist decides that the patient has ADHD needs medication, they will write a prescription for a local pharmacist. This is under the supervision and guidance of the Psychiatrist, and should be completed in three months from the private assessment. This will allow the patient to fully adjust their final dosage of medication. If the GP is willing to continue NHS prescribing following the private ADHD assessment, the Psychiatrist will provide them with a comprehensive report and treatment suggestions and will draft a Shared Care Agreement with the GP.