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ADHD Diagnosis – Getting the Right One From the NHS The NHS requires that people undergo a thorough assessment for an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation revealed that a few private clinics might be handing an unreliable diagnosis or prescribing the wrong medications. A reliable diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity, number, duration and impact of symptoms. The clinician will interview the individual and examine the medical, psychiatric, family and personal history. Diagnosis If you are an adult who believes that you have symptoms that could be associated with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is a key step to finding treatment and gaining control over their lives. Whether they have an instinct that they may have the disorder, or have had a friend or family member suggest they might be suffering from it, getting the right diagnosis can help them find the treatment and support needed to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively. Patients must first discuss their issues with an GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they affect your daily life. The GP will then recommend them to a specialist mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be a psychiatrist who has completed specialized training in this area. This is crucial because it allows the psychiatrist to be sure that they're applying the correct criteria to determine ADHD. The psychiatrist will interview the patient and often will ask them to bring their spouse or close family members and friends who are familiar with them. They'll also have to look at the patient's medical and psychiatric background from childhood to now. They will also take into account the severity of the symptoms and how they have impacted the patient's lifestyle. A brain scan or blood test will not confirm the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need to take into account all available information available. If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient doesn't meet all the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses and will then explain their reasoning. It could be that the patient did not give enough details about their difficulties or that another condition could be more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. It could also be that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's problems result from something else and not ADHD. Certain people find it difficult to get a proper diagnosis due to the prejudices espoused by certain healthcare professionals. This can be especially the case if they're an individual of color or a woman born at birth or not a native English speaking. The NHS is doing its best to address this problem. Assessment If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should have an assessment by a health care provider who has experience in such assessments. You could ask your doctor for a referral or consult with the local medical schools or hospitals to determine the professionals who are qualified for 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 symptoms in certain areas of your life. These can include school, work and relationships. There are many reasons to be concerned about not performing well in school or at work, or having trouble making and maintaining relationships, or being unorganized or forgetful. It is essential to talk about these problems and not be afraid of criticism. From GPs to psychiatrists who consult There are a myriad of healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment. However, to officially recognize a diagnosis of ADHD it must be performed by a qualified Psychiatrist or Prescriber Certified Specialist Nurse. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for the treatment of ADHD. In an ADHD evaluation, you will be interviewed. It is crucial 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 learn about your history and how you are functioning. They will also conduct an examination to see whether there are any medical conditions that may be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. The NHS can also offer an adult adhd diagnosis that is private, but this can take a very long time because of the overflowing NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pockets for a private assessment and treatment through the 'Right To Choose route. It is important to keep in mind that the quality and cost of private care can vary greatly. Medication If you have been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in your adulthood it is a great idea to have a complete and comprehensive assessment done. This will enable you to receive the correct medication and the support that you require to manage the symptoms. There are many private providers who offer this service. If you choose to go with one of them, it is important to investigate the reputation of the psychiatrist, their training and experience managing neurodevelopmental disorders. In recent months, a number of celebrities have opened up about their struggles with ADHD. Sue Perkins, the host of the Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. cost of private adhd assessment uk stated that this diagnosis “made everything seem more rational”. NHS waiting lists are crowded despite increased awareness. To avoid this, GPs often are reluctant to refer patients to specialist services in order to obtain an individual ADHD diagnosis. In part, this is because they lack the time, and in certain cases they may not be able to locate a specialist who is knowledgeable in neurodevelopmental disorders. In some areas, the NHS staff might have to address other needs like mental health assessments. Some people also believe that private providers of ADHD assessments are too quick to diagnose those suffering from the condition. This could result in devastating consequences for some. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue and there is a real need to increase accessibility to specialist ADHD tests. If you've been given a personal diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder by using the combination of treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant drugs such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are employed to increase productivity and focus, while non-stimulants with a slower onset like atomoxetine are useful for improving attention and impulse control. Some patients prefer to employ behavioural therapy and do not require medication. However, for those who require medication, a post-diagnostic package of care could be formulated at Priory. This will include a thorough medical report and titration of the final dose, which could be shared with your GP. Post-diagnostic treatment A diagnosis of ADHD can result in significant financial and human costs. It is crucial to provide a psychiatric examination and treatment plan for all adults with ADHD. This should include medication, psychological and practical support and family therapy if needed. This should also extend to workplace and family education on how to better manage and support an adult with ADHD in their daily lives. The first step is to interview with an expert in mental health who is certified to evaluate ADHD and other related disorders. Patients should bring a list of their symptoms and any other mental health issues they have to this first appointment. This appointment will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history and their family history. It will also discuss how ADHD symptoms affect the person's daily functioning and their relationships. During this process 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 symptoms must be present in two different environments (home or work) of the individual's daily life. It should affect the person's normal functioning and cause a lot of distress. This may be in the form of having difficulty getting a job, problems with marriage, or dealing with finances, issues at school or in their overall level of living. Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are trained in the functioning of the brain, however they cannot prescribe medication. They can only provide counseling. Psychologists are able to diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication when necessary. If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the person with ADHD requires medication, they will write a prescription and send it to the local pharmacy. This is done under the supervision of the psychiatrist and should be completed within three months after the private assessment to ensure that the person has time to be fully adjusted to their final dose of medication. If the GP agrees to continue NHS prescribing after the private ADHD assessment The Psychiatrist will provide them with complete report and treatment recommendations and will create an Shared Care Agreement with the GP.