ADHD Diagnosis - Getting the Right One From the NHS
The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough evaluation in order to receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation found that certain private clinics may provide unreliable diagnoses and inappropriate medication.
A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on the symptoms, their severity, duration and impact. The clinician will interview the patient and examine the medical or psychiatric history, as well as family and personal background.
Diagnosis
Adults who have symptoms they believe could be ADHD should look for a diagnosis in order to find the appropriate treatment and control their lives. If they believe they suffer from ADHD, or if a family member or friend has suggested it, getting the diagnosis will aid in managing their symptoms.
The first thing that patients should discuss their concerns with an GP. They must inform them of their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. The GP will refer them to a seasoned mental health professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be a skilled psychiatrist who has received specific training in the field. This is important because it allows the psychiatrist to be confident that they're using the right criteria to diagnose ADHD.
The psychiatrist will conduct an interview with the patient and frequently request their spouse or close relatives and friends who know them well. They will also have to examine the patient's medical history as well as psychiatric past, starting from childhood. They will also take into consideration the severity of symptoms and the effects on the patient's life. There isn't a brain scan or blood test that can be used to confirm the ADHD diagnosis, so the psychiatrist must evaluate all of the information available.
If the psychiatrist does not believe that the patient meets all the criteria required for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will explain why. It could be that the patient didn't give enough details about their difficulties or that another condition better explains their behavior than ADHD. Or, iampsychiatry.uk could be that the psychiatrist feels that the patient's problems are caused by something else and not due to the condition.
Certain people find it difficult to receive a correct diagnosis because of the prejudices of certain health professionals. This can be especially the case when they are a person of colour, assigned female at birth, or are not an English speaker. However, there is a growing awareness of this problem and the NHS is trying to tackle the issue.
The Assessment
If you are concerned that you might have ADHD you should get an assessment from a health care professional who has experience in conducting such assessments. You can ask your personal physician for a referral or consult at local universities' hospitals or medical schools to determine the professionals who are certified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You may also ask for a referral from an ADHD support group in your area.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount severity, duration and severity of symptoms that affect specific areas of your life. These include relationships, school and work. You might be struggling with being unable to perform at school or at work, having difficulty creating and maintaining relationships or being forgetful or unorganised. It is essential to discuss these problems openly and not hold back from the fear of criticism.
There are a myriad of healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultants psychiatrists. However, to officially recognize a diagnosis of ADHD it must be performed by a qualified Psychiatrist or Prescriber Qualified Specialist Nurse. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD.
You will usually be interviewed during an ADHD assessment and it is crucial to bring a family member for support or to show evidence. It is also helpful to write down your symptoms and how they have impacted your life. The doctor will ask questions to discover more about your past and present functioning. They will also examine your body to determine if there are any medical conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD.
You can also obtain an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS however, it could take an extended time due to the logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pocket for a private assessment and treatment via the 'Right to Choice route. However, it is important to be aware that the quality of treatment offered by private providers is a lot different and that it is essential to select your provider with care.
Medication
It is a good thing to undergo a thorough and full assessment if you struggle with ADHD symptoms in adulthood. This will help you find the right medication and the support that you require to manage the symptoms. There are a variety of private providers who offer this service. If you decide to use one of them, it is important that you research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their training, and their experience in dealing neurodevelopmental disorders.
A high number of celebrities have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. For instance, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and stated that her 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.
To avoid this, doctors often hesitate to refer their patients to specialist services for an individual ADHD diagnosis. In part, this is because they lack the time, and in some cases, they may not be able find a specialist who is knowledgeable in neurodevelopmental disorders. In certain areas, this is further exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff are often tasked with other care needs like mental health assessments.
There is also a perception among some private companies that offer ADHD assessments are prone to misdiagnosing people with the condition, which can cause severe harm to some people. This issue was brought up by the BBC Panorama program and there is a need to improve access for ADHD assessments.
Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder using a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Stimulant medications such as amphetamine and methylphenidate can be used to boost concentration and control of impulses and control, while non-stimulants with slower effects such as atomoxetine could be beneficial in improving focus 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 plan of care could 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 care
A diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by significant human and financial costs. This is why it's crucial that a psychiatric assessment and treatment program is accessible to all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medications, psychological and practical support and family therapy when appropriate. This should also extend to workplace and family education on how to better manage and assist an adult with ADHD in their daily life.
The first step is to schedule an interview with a mental healthcare professional who is qualified to evaluate ADHD or other conditions. Patients should bring a list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health concerns they have to the initial appointment. This interview will review the patient's medical, psychiatric, and family history. It will also discuss how the ADHD symptoms affect the person's daily life and relationships.
During this procedure the doctor will confirm that the symptoms are in line with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must appear in two different places (home or work) of the person's everyday life. It must interfere with their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This can take the form of difficulties in keeping a job or managing finances or marriage, problems in school or in their overall quality of life.
There is a wide range of professionals that can carry out an assessment for ADHD, including Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists are trained in the function of the brain, however they are not able to prescribe medication. They can only offer advice. Psychologists are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD and may prescribe medications if required.
If the Psychiatrist decides that the person with ADHD does need medication they will write a prescription and give it to the local pharmacy. This is under the supervision and guidance of the Psychiatrist, and should be completed in three months from the private assessment. This allows the patient to fully adjust to their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts 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 will also prepare an agreement known as a Shared Care Agreement.