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ADHD Diagnosis – Getting the Right One From the NHS The NHS requires that people undergo a thorough evaluation in order to receive an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation found that some private clinics may be giving an unreliable diagnosis or prescribing the wrong medication. A valid diagnosis for ADHD is based on the severity, number, duration and impact of symptoms. The doctor will interview and review the patient's medical, mental health and family history. Diagnosis For adults who feel they have symptoms that may be associated with ADHD and are seeking a diagnosis, it is a key step to finding a treatment and gaining control of their lives. If they feel they have ADHD, or if a family member or friend has suggested it, obtaining the diagnosis will aid them in managing their symptoms. The first thing patients must discuss their concerns with an GP. They should be able to discuss their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. The doctor will refer them to an experienced mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist should be a seasoned psychiatrist who has undergone specialist training in the area. This is important as it means that the psychiatrist can be sure that they are using the correct criteria to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will request that the patient bring their spouse or close family members and acquaintances 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 consideration the severity of symptoms and the impact on the patient's life. There isn't a blood test or brain scan that can confirm an ADHD diagnosis Therefore, the psychiatrist must evaluate all of the information available. If best private adhd assessment uk feels that the patient does not meet all the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses and will then explain their reasoning. It could be because the patient has not given enough detail about their issues, or it might be that a different condition is responsible for their behaviour better than ADHD. Or, it could be the case that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's difficulties are caused by something else and not the ADHD condition. Some people find it harder to get a proper diagnosis due to the prejudices espoused by certain health experts. This is particularly the case when they are a person of colour or assigned a female birth or not a native English speaker. The NHS is doing its best to address this problem. The Assessment If you think you may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should have an assessment by a healthcare professional who has experience in such evaluations. You can ask your doctor for a referral or check with local medical schools or hospitals to determine which professionals are qualified for an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also contact the local ADHD support group for an appointment. The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the severity, number and duration of symptoms in particular areas of one's life. These can include school, work and relationships. You may experience problems with regards to not performing in school or work, difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships, and being unorganized or disorganized. It is important to talk about these problems and not be afraid of criticism. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultant psychiatrists. To give a definitive diagnosis of ADHD it should be carried out either by a Psychiatrist who is qualified or a Prescriber Qualified Special Nurse. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD. In an ADHD assessment you will be interviewed. It is essential to bring a family member with you to provide support or evidence. It is also helpful to write down your symptoms and how they have impacted your life. The doctor will ask you questions to learn about your life experiences and how you are currently functioning. They will also examine your body to determine if you have any medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. The NHS can also offer an adult adhd diagnosis privately, but this can take a long time because of the long NHS waiting lists. Some people find that paying out of pocket for private treatment and evaluation through the “Right to Choose” option is more convenient. However it is essential to keep in mind that the quality of care from private providers is a lot different and that it is essential that you choose carefully. Medication If you've struggled with symptoms of ADHD as an adult it is a great idea to have a full and thorough evaluation done. This will allow you to receive the correct medication and the assistance you require to manage the symptoms. There are numerous private providers of this service. However, should you decide to go down this route it is crucial to investigate the reputation of your chosen psychiatrist and their training and experience in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders. In recent months, a variety of celebrities have opened up about their struggles with ADHD. Sue Perkins, the host of Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. She stated that this diagnosis “made everything seem to make sense”. NHS waiting lists are still crowded despite an increase in awareness. In the end, doctors are usually reluctant to refer patients to specialist services to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD. This is largely due to the fact that they don't have the time, and in some instances, they might not be able to find a specialist who is knowledgeable in neurodevelopmental disorders. In some areas, the NHS staff might have to address other needs such as mental health assessments. There are those who believe that private companies offering ADHD assessments over-diagnose those suffering from the condition. This could result in devastating effects for some. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue, and there is a pressing need to increase access to specialized ADHD assessments. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, you can treat it with a combination of treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant medications like amphetamine and methylphenidate are utilized to boost focus and productivity, while non-stimulants that are slower-acting like atomoxetine can be beneficial for improving the ability to concentrate and control impulses. Some patients opt to utilize behavioural therapy and do not require medication. Priory can put together an after-diagnostic care plan for patients who require medication. This will include a thorough report and titration of the final dose, which can be shared with your GP. Post-diagnostic care A diagnosis of ADHD could have significant financial and human costs. This is why it's crucial that a psychiatric assessment and treatment programme be accessible to all adults with ADHD. This should include medications as well as psychological and practical support and family therapy if needed. This should include workplace and family information on how to best help and manage an adult with ADHD. The first step is an interview with a mental health professional who is trained to assess ADHD and other related disorders. Patients are required to bring a list with their symptoms and any other mental health concerns they may have to their first appointment. The interview will cover the patient's medical, psychiatric, and family history. It will also discuss the impact of ADHD on the individual's daily life and relationships. During this procedure, the doctor will check 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 present in two settings of the person's daily life (either at home or at work). It must interfere with their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This can take the form of difficulties in securing a job, dealing with marriage or finances, problems in school or in their general quality of life. There is a wide range of professionals who can carry out an assessment for ADHD that includes Psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists are experts on how the brain functions however, they are not qualified to prescribe medications, therefore they can only suggest counselling. Psychologists can 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 send it to the local pharmacy. This is done under the supervision of a psychiatrist and must be completed within three months from the private assessment to ensure that the individual has time to be fully adjusted to their final dose of medication. If the GP is in agreement to continue prescribing ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD evaluation, the Psychiatrist can provide a comprehensive report with treatment recommendations. They will also prepare an agreement known as a Shared Care Agreement.