ADHD Diagnosis ADHD is a complex condition that can be difficult to manage. It can affect anyone from childhood until adulthood. Some people opt to pay privately for ADHD assessments and medication because NHS wait times are at an all-time high. The BBC Panorama documentary of the past week highlighted concerns that certain services weren't up to par. What is ADHD? https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment will make a clinical diagnosis of ADHD based on the symptoms as well as your development history and your behavioural habits. They will ask you to fill out various questionnaires, and then interview you to create a picture of your clinical condition. Some of these are standardised questionnaires that all psychiatrists utilize and others are specific to them, so every clinic and psychiatrist has their own test and questions they like to use. A psychiatrist may also want to examine your family medical and psychiatric histories along with your current symptoms. Often, they will also inquire about the way your symptoms affect your work, home, and in other settings. They will then assess whether your symptoms are in line with the guidelines for clinical care established by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). To be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must be present in two or more settings (home or school, and/or social situations) and significantly impair your ability to function. Your symptoms should be present for a long time and began before you reached 12 years old. In addition, you must meet the criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations of ADHD to get a diagnosis. During the consultation, your psychiatrist will try to determine whether your symptoms were present since childhood and how they are affecting you right now. They will also determine if you suffer from other illnesses which could be the cause of your symptoms, for instance a sleep disorder or anxiety or depression. It is important to remember that many adults with ADHD have a poor understanding of their childhood experiences, particularly in the case of a difficult upbringing. This can affect their ability to recognize the presence of ADHD symptoms in their lives at the moment and it is sometimes necessary for your psychiatrist to interview a significant other, such as a spouse or partner, to help gather additional information about your childhood. You can find a health professional who specialises in ADHD evaluations by asking your primary health care provider for a referral, consulting with the staff at a local university-based hospital or calling the mental health clinic. You can also talk to an online support group for those with ADHD and request recommendations. Why do I require an ADHD assessment? Before beginning any treatment, it's crucial to get a full diagnosis if you suspect that you may have ADHD. It's impossible to diagnose ADHD by taking an online test or questionnaire. Only a healthcare professional can carry out an exhaustive assessment and come up with a clear diagnosis. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to serious problems with relationships, work and well-being. If your GP is aware that you you may have symptoms of ADHD They'll take you seriously and will ask for specifics of your past and present. They'll likely recommend an NHS screening test that consists of a clinical interview as well as the completion of a variety of valid ADHD scales. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires with those who know you, such as your family members or close friends. This will allow the healthcare professional to gain an understanding of your behaviour, and how it affects others. A person with high IQ may have developed coping mechanisms to deal with the symptoms of ADHD. For instance they may use technology to keep track their appointments, but a spouse can tell if they're having difficulty remembering things. A private healthcare professional will not be able to evade the rules simply because you're paying for your evaluation, and they must still adhere to National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when assessing for ADHD. However, the process can be faster than waiting for an appointment with the NHS. An ADHD assessment can help you to understand the root cause of your issues and how best to address these issues, while also getting you on the right path with medication. If you decide to commence treatment, you should get your GP sign a shared-care agreement with your private physician (so that you only pay for the NHS prescription fee) to monitor your progress and provide guidance on any changes. This will ensure that you're receiving most effective and efficient treatment for your needs. If you're interested in getting an ADHD assessment, contact one of our brain and mind specialists at a Priory health center or hospital today. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? ADHD symptoms are very different from one person to another and the manner in which they manifest can change over time. This is why a reliable diagnosis can be hard to obtain, especially for adults, despite numerous GPs taking their concerns seriously. This is also the reason why some people find it harder than others to access NHS services. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and it can sometimes take years for a person to be evaluated. A person may not be able to get an employment opportunity or their relationship could be affected. Adults who aren't diagnosed are at a greater risk of serious health issues like addiction and mood disorders. Adults who aren't diagnosed may suffer from extreme anxiety or sadness, and may be forced to accept the fact that they are not able to have the motivation and achievement they could have had if they had been diagnosed and treated. The good news is that if have been struggling to cope with your ADHD it is possible to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. If you decide to go to a private specialist to get an assessment it is crucial to select your doctor carefully. Do your research and seek recommendations from family and friends prior to making any decisions. Check their qualifications and credentials and ask previous clients and patients about their experience. A trained professional can use a variety of tools to help identify ADHD using questionnaires, interviews and medical tests, as well as observation of behavior. The main goal of the diagnosis is to rule out possible reasons, like mental disorders or learning disabilities, which are difficult to distinguish from ADHD. During an ADHD evaluation, a specialist will interview you or your partner to discuss your issues and how they affect your life. The specialist might also employ a DSM-5 checklist of symptoms as well as other psychometric tests to assess your severity. Stimulant medication improves ADHD symptoms in about 70% of adults and children, and it has been used to treat ADHD since 1937. It is an extremely effective treatment as it can have a highly positive effect on mood, and may help to stabilize brain function. How can I get a diagnosis of ADHD? To diagnose ADHD A healthcare professional needs to interview you or your child. They will inquire about your or your child's behavior in various situations, like at home and in school. They may also use rating scales to help identify symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. They should determine if your symptoms or those of your child were present since childhood and whether these symptoms have affected your daily functioning. They should also know if your or your child's symptoms may be related to other mental health conditions like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. About 80% of those with ADHD have co-occurring mental health issues, so it is important to rule out these conditions. A private healthcare professional can also ask for permission to speak with your family members, friends, teachers and religious leaders, scout coaches or Scout scout leaders. They will ask about how your your child’s behavior affects their daily functioning and will also ask whether there any past background of trauma or abuse. The healthcare professional will explain why they don't believe a diagnosis of ADHD is appropriate. It could be due to the fact that they do not believe that the symptoms are severe enough, or that they are more easily explained by a different condition. It is a good idea to ask your family physician for an ADHD assessment. If you do not have a family doctor or a psychiatrist, you can ask your insurance provider or a local mental health support group for suggestions. Once you have made an appointment for an ADHD evaluation, be sure to bring any relevant medical, psychological, educational or employment records with you. The health care specialist will likely request an entire family and social history and will also conduct a physical examination. Once the health care professional has reviewed all of the data they will be in a position to determine whether or not you or your child has ADHD. They will then suggest treatments, like medication, if required. If you intend to utilize the NHS prescription services for your medication, make sure you check with them first to confirm that they'll accept a private diagnosis of ADHD that has been accredited by the NHS.