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ADHD Diagnosis – Getting the Right One From the NHS The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough assessment in order to receive the correct ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation highlighted that some private clinics might be handing out unreliable diagnoses and inappropriate medication. A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on the symptoms that are severe, their duration and impact. The doctor will interview the patient and review the medical, psychiatric, family and personal history. Diagnosis For adults who feel they have symptoms that may be related to ADHD and are seeking a diagnosis, it is an essential step towards finding treatment and gaining control of their lives. If they are aware that they might have the disorder, or have had a family or friend member suggest that they might have it, obtaining the right diagnosis can help them find the appropriate treatment and help to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively. Patients should first discuss their concerns with an GP. Inform them of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The doctor will recommend them to a skilled mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist is psychiatrist who has undergone specialist training in this field. This is crucial since it means that the psychiatrist can be sure that they have used the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will conduct an interview with the patient and frequently ask them to bring in their spouse, or close friends and relatives who know them well. They'll also need to look at the patient's medical and psychiatric history from childhood onwards. They will also take into consideration the severity of symptoms and the impact on the patient's daily life. There is no blood test or brain scan that can be used to confirm an ADHD diagnosis, so the psychiatrist will need to assess all the available information. If the psychiatrist doesn't think that the patient is meeting all the criteria required for an ADHD diagnosis and they explain why. It could be because the patient did not provide enough information about their difficulties or that another condition better explains their behavior than ADHD. Alternatively, it might be that the doctor believes that the patient's issues may be due to a different cause and not the condition. Some people have a harder time getting a proper diagnosis because of the prejudices of certain healthcare experts. This can be especially the case if they are a person of colour or a woman born at birth or not a native English native speaker. However, there is a growing awareness of this issue and the NHS is working on tackling the issue. The Assessment If you think you may have ADHD or other disorders, you should be evaluated by a medical professional who has experience in such evaluations. You may ask your physician to recommend a specialist or check with local hospitals affiliated with universities or medical schools to determine which professionals are qualified to perform an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also contact a local ADHD support group for a referral. The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity, number and duration of the symptoms in specific areas of life. These include school, relationships and work. You may have problems with not performing well in school or at work, having difficulty making and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or unorganised. It is crucial to talk about these problems openly and not be hesitant to speak out against the fear of criticism. From GPs to psychiatrists who consult There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment. However, in order to provide a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD it must be conducted by a qualified Psychiatrist or a Prescriber Qualified Specialist Nurse. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for the treatment of ADHD. You will usually be interviewed during an ADHD assessment and it is crucial to bring along an adult family member to provide assistance or to provide evidence. It is also beneficial to note down your symptoms and how they have impacted your life. The doctor will ask questions to discover more about your history and how you are functioning. They will also check you to determine if you have any medical conditions that could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. You can also get an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS however it may take an extended time due to the logjammed NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for private treatment and assessment through the “Right to Choose” option is more convenient. It is important to keep in mind that the cost and quality of private healthcare can differ greatly. Medication It is a good thing to have a thorough and complete assessment if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms into adulthood. This will help you get the right medication, and the support that you need to manage symptoms. There are numerous private companies that offer this service but, should you decide to go this route it is essential to look into the reputation of the chosen psychiatrist and their training and experience in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders. A large number of public figures have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. Sue Perkins, the host of Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. She said that this diagnosis “made everything seem to make sense”. But, despite an increase in awareness, NHS waiting lists remain overflowing with people who want to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, GPs are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD. This is due to the fact that they don't have the time and, in some cases they may not be able to locate a doctor with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions. In certain areas, NHS staff may have to address other needs like mental health assessments. Many people believe that private companies offering ADHD assessments are too quick to diagnose people suffering from the condition. This can have devastating effects for certain. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue, and there is a dire need to increase accessibility to specialist ADHD tests. If you've been diagnosed as having ADHD it is possible to treat it by combining treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant drugs like amphetamine or methylphenidate can be used to improve focus and productivity, while non-stimulants with a slower onset like atomoxetine are effective in improving the ability to concentrate and control impulses. Some patients opt for behavioural therapy, and do not need medication. However, for those who need to take medication, a post-diagnostic plan of care could be created at Priory. This will include a comprehensive medical report and titration of the final dose, which could be shared with your GP. private adult adhd assessment -diagnostic treatment A diagnosis of ADHD can be a significant one for both the human and financial costs. This is why it's so important that a psychiatric assessment and treatment programme be accessible to all adults with ADHD. This should include medication, 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 assist an adult with ADHD in their daily lives. The first step is to interview with a mental health professional who is trained to assess ADHD and related conditions. Patients should be prepared to bring a written record of their symptoms as well as any other mental health concerns to the initial appointment. This interview will examine the patient's medical and mental health history and their family history. It will also look at the impact of ADHD on the individual's daily life and relationships. During this examination, the doctor will ensure whether the symptoms match with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptoms must be present in two different settings (home or work) of the person's everyday life. It must interfere with their normal functioning and result in significant distress or impairment. This could take the form a difficulty in securing a job, managing finances or marriage or school issues, or their overall quality of life. There are a range of professionals that can perform an assessment for ADHD that includes Psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists are trained in the functioning of the brain, but they are unable to prescribe medications. They are able to provide counseling. Psychologists are able to diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication when necessary. If the Psychiatrist determines that the person with ADHD is in need of medication they will prescribe the medication and supply it to a local pharmacy. This is done under the supervision and guidance of the Psychiatrist. It is expected to be completed within three months from the private assessment. This allows the patient to fully titrate 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 that includes treatment recommendations. They will also draw up an agreement known as a Shared Care Agreement.