ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
To give people a proper diagnosis for ADHD the NHS requires a thorough examination. The BBC investigation revealed that a few private clinics might be handing an unreliable diagnosis or prescribing the wrong treatment.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms and their severity, duration and impact. The doctor will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and family background.
Diagnosis
For adults who feel they have symptoms that may be connected to ADHD, getting a diagnosis is a key step to finding treatment and gaining control over their lives. If they are aware that they might have the condition, or had a friend or family member suggest they might have it, getting the right diagnosis can allow them to find the appropriate treatment and help to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively.
Patients must first discuss their issues with a GP. Inform them of your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. The GP will then refer them to a specialist mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be psychiatrist who has completed specialist training in this area. This is important as it means that the psychiatrist can be sure that they are applying the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will talk to the patient and frequently request their spouse, or close relatives and friends who know them well. They must also examine the patient's medical history and psychiatric past, starting from childhood. They will also take into consideration the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test cannot confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will have to consider all the available information.
If the psychiatrist doesn't believe that the patient meets all the criteria required for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will explain why. It could be that the patient has not given sufficient detail about their difficulties, or it might be that another medical condition is responsible for their behavior more effectively than ADHD. It could also be that the doctor believes that the patient's difficulties are due to something else, and not ADHD.
Some people find it harder to get a proper diagnosis due to the prejudices held by some health professionals. This is particularly the case if they're an individual of color, assigned female at birth, or are not an English speaker. how much is a private adhd assessment is trying its best to address this problem.
The Assessment
If you're concerned that you might have ADHD you should seek an assessment from a medical healthcare professional who is skilled in conducting these assessments. You may ask your physician for a referral or consult with local hospitals affiliated with universities or medical schools to determine the professionals who are certified to perform an ADHD evaluation for adults. You can also request a referral from an ADHD support group in your region.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount of, severity and duration of symptoms that affect specific areas of your life. This could include work, school and relationships. You might be struggling with not performing well in school or at work, or having trouble forming and maintaining relationships, or being unorganized or forgetful. It is essential to discuss these issues in a candid manner and not be hesitant to speak out against fear of being criticized.
There are many different healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment, from GP's to consultant psychiatrists. To give a definitive diagnosis of ADHD it must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist, or a Prescriber Qualified Special Nurse. This is because only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
You will usually be interviewed during an ADHD assessment, and it is important to bring someone from your family to offer 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 collect details about your past and your current functioning. They will also examine your body to determine if there are any medical conditions which could be causing symptoms of ADHD.
You can also obtain an adult adhd private diagnosis through the NHS however, it could take an extended time due to the logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some people find that paying out of pocket for a private treatment and assessment through the "Right to Choose" pathway is easier. It is important to remember that the quality and price of private healthcare can differ significantly.
Medication
If you've struggled with symptoms of ADHD in your adulthood, it is a good idea to get a thorough and thorough evaluation done. This will help you get the right medication and assistance you require to manage your symptoms. There are many private companies who provide this service. If you choose to go with one of them, it is important to investigate the reputation of the psychiatrist, their training and experience treating 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 an increase in awareness, NHS waiting lists remain full of people wanting to receive the right diagnosis and treatment.
As a result, doctors are usually reluctant to refer patients to specialist services in the event of a private diagnosis of ADHD. In part, this is due to the fact that they don't have the time, and in certain cases they may not be able find a specialist who is knowledgeable in neurodevelopmental disorders. In some areas, this is further exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff could be assigned other needs such as mental health assessments.
There are those who believe that private companies offering ADHD assessments are unable to accurately diagnose adults with the condition. This can have devastating effects for certain. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue, and there is a dire need to improve access to specialized ADHD assessments.
Once you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is possible to treat it using a combination therapy for behavioural issues and medication. Stimulant medications such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are used to boost the ability to control impulses and attention, while slower acting non-stimulants like atomoxetine are beneficial in improving concentration and productivity.
Certain patients choose only treatment for behavioural issues, and do not need medication. For those who need to take medication, a post-diagnostic program of care can be put together at Priory. This will include a comprehensive report and titration of the final dose, which can be shared with your GP.
Post-diagnostic treatment
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a significant one for both the financial and human costs. This is why it is crucial that a psychiatric evaluation and treatment program be accessible to all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medication and practical and psychological support, as well as family therapy if appropriate. 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 is an interview with an expert in mental health who is trained to assess ADHD and other related disorders. Patients should be prepared to bring a written record of their symptoms, as well as any other mental health issues to the initial appointment. The interview will cover the patient's medical, psychiatric and family history. It will also examine how ADHD symptoms impact the patient's daily functioning and how they affect their relationships.
During this procedure the doctor will ensure that the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD that are defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must be evident in two different settings of the individual's life (either at home or at work). It should affect their normal functioning and result in significant distress or impairment. This may be in the form of difficulties in keeping a job, trouble with marriage or coping with finances, issues at school or in their overall quality of life.
There are a range of professionals who can conduct an assessment for ADHD, including Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists are experts on how the brain functions, but are not qualified to prescribe medications, therefore they can only recommend counselling. Psychologists are fully trained to diagnose and treat ADHD and may prescribe medications if required.
If the Psychiatrist decides that the patient has ADHD needs medication, he or she will prescribe a prescription to an area pharmacist. This is under the supervision of a psychiatrist and must be completed within three months from the private assessment to ensure that the patient is able to fully titrated into their final dosage of medication. If the GP agrees that they will continue prescribing ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD assessment, the Psychiatrist can write a detailed report with treatment recommendations. They will also draft the Shared Care Agreement.