ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS In order for people to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD the NHS requires a thorough evaluation. The BBC investigation revealed that some private clinics could be giving an unreliable diagnosis or prescribing the wrong medication. A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on the symptoms, their severity, duration, and impact. The doctor will interview the patient and examine the medical, psychiatric, family and personal history. Diagnosis Adults who have symptoms they believe may be ADHD should look for a diagnosis in order to find the appropriate treatment and gain control of their lives. If they are aware that they might have the condition, or have had a family or friend member suggest they might be suffering from it, obtaining the correct diagnosis can help them find the appropriate treatment and help to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively. Patients should first discuss their concerns with a GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they impact your daily routine. The doctor will then recommend them to an expert mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist must be a psychiatrist who has undergone specialist training in this area. This is essential because it lets the psychiatrist be certain that they are using the right criteria to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will talk to the patient and may request their spouse or close friends and relatives who know them well. They'll also need to examine the patient's medical and mental background from childhood to now. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the patient's life. There is no blood test or brain scan that can confirm an ADHD diagnosis, so the psychiatrist will have to evaluate all of the information available. If the psychiatrist believes that the patient does not meet all the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses, they will explain their reasoning. https://blogfreely.net/dramacloth29/5-myths-about-adhd-assessment-private-that-you-should-stay-clear-of could be because the patient hasn't provided sufficient details about their problems or that a different condition is responsible for their behaviour better than ADHD. Or, it could be the case that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's problems are caused by something else and not due to the condition. Certain people have a tougher time getting a proper diagnosis because of the prejudices of some healthcare professionals. This is especially the case if you're an individual of color, a woman at birth or don't speak English natively. The NHS is working hard to address this issue. Assessment If you are concerned that you may have ADHD you should get an assessment 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 find out who is qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. You can also ask a local ADHD support group for recommendations. The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the amount, severity, and duration of symptoms in specific areas of life. These can include work, school and relationships. You might experience issues in the form of underachieving at work or education as well as difficulties in maintaining and forming relationships, and being unorganized or disorganized. It is important to discuss these issues openly and not hide from the fear of being criticized. From GPs to consultant psychiatrists There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. To provide 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. This is because only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD. You are typically questioned during an ADHD evaluation, and it is important to bring a family member for support or to show evidence. It is beneficial to write the symptoms you experience and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask you questions to find out more about your past and present functioning. They will also check your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. The NHS can also offer an adult adhd diagnosis privately however this could take a very long time because of the long NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pocket for a private assessment and treatment via the 'Right to Choice' pathway. But, it is important to be aware that the quality of care from private providers varies greatly and that it is essential that you choose carefully. Medication It is recommended to undergo a thorough and full assessment if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms into adulthood. This will enable you to find the right medication and the help you require to manage the symptoms. There are a variety of private providers of this service, but if you choose to go this route it is essential to look into the reputation of the chosen psychiatrist and the level of their expertise and training in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders. In recent months, a lot of prominent people have opened up about their struggles with ADHD. Sue Perkins, the host of Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. She claimed that the diagnosis "made everything seem more rational". However, despite increased awareness, NHS waiting lists remain overflowing with people who want to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. In the end, doctors are usually 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 some instances, they may be unable to find a clinician with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions. In certain areas, NHS staff may have to handle other requirements like mental health assessments. Some people also believe that private companies offering ADHD assessments over-diagnose adults with the condition. This could result in devastating effects for certain. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue, and there is a pressing need to improve access to specialist ADHD assessments. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, you can treat it by combining behavioural therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate can be used to improve productivity and focus, while non-stimulants that are slower-acting like atomoxetine can be effective in improving attention and impulse control. Some patients opt for the behavioural approach, and do not need medication. Priory can put together a post-diagnostic treatment package for patients who require medication. This includes a detailed report and titration of the final dose, which can be shared with your GP. Post-diagnostic care A diagnosis of ADHD could result in significant human and financial costs. This is why it is so important that a psychiatric examination and treatment program is made available to all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medication, practical and psychological support as well as family therapy, if needed. This should include family and workplace education on how to better assist and manage an adult with ADHD. The first step involves an appointment with a mental health professional who is certified to evaluate ADHD or other disorders. Patients must bring a list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health concerns prior to their first appointment. The interview will cover the patient's medical, psychiatric and family background. It will also discuss how the ADHD symptoms affect the person's daily life and relationships. During this process the doctor will confirm that the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD that are defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptoms must be present in two different environments (home or work) of the individual's daily life. It must affect their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This can take the form of difficulties in securing a job, managing finances or marriage, problems in school or in their general quality of life. Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are trained in the function of the brain, however they are not able to prescribe medication. They can only offer advice. Psychologists are fully trained to diagnose and treat ADHD and offer medication if needed. If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient with ADHD requires medication they will write a prescription and give it to a local pharmacy. This is under the supervision of a Psychiatrist and should be completed within three months of the private assessment to ensure that the person is able to be adjusted to their final dosage of medication. If the GP agrees to continue NHS prescribing after the private ADHD assessment the Psychiatrist will provide them with a a comprehensive report and treatment recommendations and will draft an Shared Care Agreement with the GP.