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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 get an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation found that some private clinics might be handing an unreliable diagnosis or prescribing the wrong medication. A valid diagnosis for ADHD is based on the number, severity, duration and impact of symptoms. The clinician will interview and analyze the patient's medical, psychiatric and family history. Diagnosis Adults who have symptoms they believe may be ADHD should seek a diagnosis to find the right treatment and take control of their lives. If they believe they suffer from ADHD, or if someone in their family or a friend has suggested it, obtaining an assessment can aid in managing their symptoms. The first thing patients need to discuss their issues with the GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they impact your daily routine. The doctor will then direct them to a specialist mental health professional who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist should be a skilled psychiatrist who has received specialist training in the area. This is crucial since it means that the psychiatrist will be confident that they have used the right criteria to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will ask the patient to bring their spouse or family members and friends who are familiar with them. They'll also have to consider the patient's medical and psychiatric history from childhood onwards. They will also take into consideration the severity of the symptoms and the impact on the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test cannot confirm the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need take into consideration all available information. If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient does not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses and will then discuss their reasons. It could be because the patient hasn't given enough detail about their issues or that another condition explains their behavior more effectively than ADHD. It could also be that the psychiatrist feels that the patient's difficulties are due to something else and not the condition. Certain people have a tougher in obtaining a diagnosis due to the prejudices of certain healthcare professionals. This is especially the case when they are an individual of color or assigned a female birth or not a native English speaking. The NHS is working hard to address this problem. Assessment If you suspect you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should be evaluated by a healthcare professional who is familiar with such evaluations. You may ask your physician for a referral or consult with local medical schools or hospitals to find out who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also ask the local ADHD support group for an appointment. A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount severity, duration and severity of symptoms that affect specific areas of your life. These can include work, school and relationships. You might be struggling with being unable to perform at school or at work, or having trouble making and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or unorganised. It is important to discuss these problems openly and not hold back from the fear of being criticized. There are a variety of healthcare professionals that can carry out an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultants psychiatrists. To give a definitive diagnosis of ADHD it must be performed either by a Psychiatrist who is qualified, or a Special Nurse who is a Prescriber Qualified. Only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for ADHD. In the course of an ADHD assessment, you will be interviewed. It is essential to bring a loved one to help or provide evidence. It is also helpful to record your symptoms and how they have affected your life. The doctor will ask you questions to find out more about your life experiences and present functioning. They will also conduct an examination to determine if there are any medical conditions that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. You can also get an adult adhd private diagnosis through the NHS however, it could take an extended time due to the clogged NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for private treatment and assessment through the “Right to Choose” pathway is easier. But, it is important to keep in mind that the quality of care from private practitioners varies widely and it is vital that you choose carefully. Medication It is a good thing to undergo a thorough and complete assessment if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms in adulthood. This will help you get the right medication, and the assistance you need to manage symptoms. There are many private providers that offer this service. If private adhd assessments decide to choose one of them, it is important that you research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their training and experience treating neurodevelopmental disorders. A large number of celebrities have been open about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. For example, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s, and claimed that the diagnosis “made everything seem more rational”. However, despite increased awareness, NHS waiting lists remain jam-packed with people wanting to receive the right diagnosis and treatment. In the end, doctors are usually reluctant to refer patients to specialist services to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD. In part, this is due to the fact that they don't have the time or resources, and in some cases they may not be able to locate an expert clinician in neurodevelopmental disorders. In certain areas, the NHS staff may have to deal with other needs like mental health assessments. There is also a perception that certain private providers of ADHD assessments are prone to over-diagnosing adults with the condition, and this can have devastating consequences for some people. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue, and there is a pressing need to increase access to specialist ADHD assessments. Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder by using the combination of behavioural therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate can be employed to increase concentration and productivity, whereas slower-acting non-stimulants like atomoxetine are beneficial for improving attention and impulse control. Some patients opt to use behavioural therapy and do not require medication. Priory can put together a post-diagnostic care 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 can be a significant one for both the financial and human 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, psychological and practical assistance and family therapy where appropriate. This should include family and workplace education on how to better support and manage an adult with ADHD. The first step is to interview with a mental health professional who is certified to evaluate ADHD and related conditions. Patients are required to bring a list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health issues to the initial appointment. The interview will look into the patient's medical and psychiatric history, as well as their family history. It will also discuss how ADHD symptoms affect the person's daily life and relationships. During this examination, the doctor will make sure that the symptoms are consistent with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must be evident in two places of the individual's life (either home or work). It should interfere with the person's normal functioning, and cause significant distress. This could take the form of difficulties in keeping a job, trouble with marriage, or dealing with finances, issues at school or in their overall quality of life. There are a variety of professionals that can carry out an assessment for ADHD such as Psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists are experts on how the brain works, but are not qualified to prescribe medications, so can only recommend counselling. Psychologists are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD and may prescribe medications if necessary. If the Psychiatrist decides that the person has ADHD needs medication, they 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 person is able to be titrated into their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue NHS prescribing after the private ADHD assessment The Psychiatrist will provide them with a an extensive report and treatment suggestions and will draft a Shared Care Agreement with the GP.