ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough evaluation in order to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation found that some private clinics might be handing inaccurate diagnoses and prescribing inappropriate medications.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on the symptoms and their severity, duration, and impact. The clinician will interview the patient and examine the medical, psychiatric, family, and personal history.
Diagnosis
If you are an adult who believes that you are suffering from symptoms that could be related to ADHD being diagnosed is a key step to getting treatment and taking control of their lives. Whether they have an instinct that they may have the disorder, or have had a family or friend member suggest they might have it, obtaining the correct diagnosis can help them discover the appropriate treatment and help to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
The first thing that patients must do is discuss their concerns with an GP. They must inform them of their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. The doctor will refer them to a specialist mental health professional who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist should be psychiatrist who has completed specialist training in this field. This is essential because it lets the psychiatrist be sure that they're applying the correct criteria to determine ADHD.
The psychiatrist will request that the patient bring their spouse or family members and acquaintances who are familiar with them. They will also need to consider 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 lifestyle. A brain scan or blood test cannot confirm the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need to take into account all available information.
If the psychiatrist does not think that the patient is meeting all of the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will explain the reasons. It could be that the patient did not provide enough information about their difficulties or that another medical condition is more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. Or, it could be that the doctor believes that the patient's difficulties are caused by something else and not due to the condition.
Some people find it harder to obtain a diagnosis because of the prejudices held by some healthcare professionals. This is especially the case if they are someone of color, assigned female at birth, or are not an English speaking. However, there is a growing awareness of this issue and the NHS is working on tackling the issue.
The Assessment
If you are concerned that you might be suffering from ADHD you should seek an evaluation from a health care professional who is experienced in conducting these assessments. You can ask your doctor to recommend a specialist or check with local university-based hospitals or medical schools to see who is qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. You may also ask the local ADHD support group for an appointment.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount of, severity and duration of symptoms that affect particular areas of your life. These can include school, work and relationships. You might experience issues in the form of underachieving at work or education or in difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or disorganised. It is essential to discuss these issues openly and not be hesitant to speak out against fear of being criticized.
From GPs and consultant psychiatrists There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. To give a definitive diagnosis of ADHD it must be performed by a qualified Psychiatrist or a Special Nurse who is a Prescriber Qualified. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
In an ADHD assessment you will be questioned. It is essential to bring a family member with you to provide support or evidence. It is helpful to note down your symptoms, and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask you questions to gather information about your history and your current functioning. They will also look at your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that could be causing symptoms of ADHD.
private adhd assessment can also offer an adult adhd diagnosis privately, but this can take a very long time because of the long NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for a private treatment or assessment via the "Right to Choose" pathway is easier. However it is crucial to remember that the quality of care offered by private providers varies greatly and it is crucial to choose your provider carefully.
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 right medication and the support you need to manage your symptoms. There are a variety of private providers of this service, but should you decide to go down this route it is crucial to research the reputation of your chosen psychiatrist and their expertise and training in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders.
A high number of celebrities have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. For example, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and said that her diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". NHS waiting lists are still full despite increased awareness.
Therefore doctors are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD. This is mainly because they lack the time and, in some instances they may not be able to locate a doctor with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions. In some areas, this is further exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff are often being tasked with other health requirements, like mental health assessments.
There is also a perception that certain private companies offering ADHD assessments are over-diagnosing adults with the condition, which can have devastating consequences for some people. This concern was raised by the BBC Panorama program and there is an urgent need to increase access to ADHD assessments.
Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD, it is possible to treat the disorder using a combination of behavioural therapy and medication. The stimulant medications like amphetamine and methylphenidate are used to enhance the ability to control impulses and attention as well as slower-acting non-stimulants such as atomoxetine could be helpful in improving focus and productivity.
Certain patients choose only the behavioural approach, and do not need medication. However, for those who need to take medication, a post-diagnostic program of care can be put together at Priory. This includes a detailed medical report as well as a titration of the final dose, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can have significant financial and human cost. It is crucial to provide a psychiatric evaluation and treatment program for all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medication and practical and psychological support as well as therapy for families if it is 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 a mental health professional who is certified to evaluate ADHD and related conditions. Patients should bring a list of their symptoms and any other mental health concerns they may have to their first appointment. The interview will look into the patient's medical and psychiatric history, as well as their family history. It will also look at how the ADHD symptoms affect the person's daily functioning and their relationships.
During this examination, the doctor will make sure 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 life (either at home or at work). It must interfere with their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This can be in the form of a problem in keeping a job or coping with finances or marriage or school problems, or in their overall quality of living.
There are a variety of professionals who carry out an assessment for ADHD, including Psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists understand how the brain functions however, they are not qualified to prescribe medications, so can only suggest counselling. Psychologists are able to diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication when needed.
If the Psychiatrist determines that the person with ADHD is in need of medication they will write a prescription and give it to a local pharmacy. This is under the supervision and direction of the Psychiatrist, and should be completed in three months following the private assessment. This will allow the patient to fully adjust their final dosage 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 can also draw up a Shared Care Agreement.