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ADHD Diagnosis – Getting the Right One From the NHS The NHS requires that people undergo a thorough evaluation for a proper ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation highlighted that some private clinics could be distributing unreliable diagnoses and inappropriate medication. A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms, their severity, duration and impact. The clinician will interview the patient and examine the medical, psychiatric, family and personal background. Diagnosis Adults who have symptoms they believe might be ADHD should seek out a diagnosis to determine the appropriate treatment and gain control of their lives. If they are aware that they may have the disorder, or have been told by a family member or friend that a member suggest that they might have it, obtaining the correct 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. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they affect your daily life. The doctor will refer them to a seasoned mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist must be psychiatrist who has completed specialized training in this area. This is important because it lets the psychiatrist be confident that they're using the right criteria to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will request that the patient bring their partner or close family members and acquaintances who are familiar with them. They'll also need to examine the patient's medical and psychiatric history from childhood onwards. They will also have to consider the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test can't confirm the ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need to take into account all available information. If the psychiatrist believes that the patient does not meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will discuss their reasons. It could be because the patient hasn't given enough detail about their issues, or it might be that another condition explains their behavior better than ADHD. Or, it could be that the doctor believes that the patient's difficulties are caused by something else and not due to the condition. Certain people find it difficult to get a proper diagnosis due to the prejudices of certain health professionals. This is particularly relevant if you're a person who is of color, a woman at birth, or do not speak English natively. However there is a growing awareness of this issue and the NHS is trying to tackle the issue. The Assessment If you're concerned that you might have ADHD you should seek an evaluation from a health care professional who has experience in conducting these tests. You may ask your physician for a referral or check with local medical schools or hospitals to determine the professionals who are qualified for an ADHD assessment for adults. You may also ask a local ADHD support group for recommendations. The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the amount, severity, and duration of symptoms in specific areas of one's life. These can include school, work and relationships. You may experience problems that result in you not performing in school or work, difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or disorganized. It is important to talk about these problems and not be afraid to take criticism. From GPs to consultant psychiatrists, there are many healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment. However, in order to provide a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD the assessment must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist or Prescriber Qualified Specialist Nurse. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for the treatment of ADHD. During private adult adhd assessment will be questioned. It is important to bring a family member to help or provide evidence. It is also beneficial to note down your symptoms and how they have affected your life. The doctor will ask questions to discover more about your past and how you are currently functioning. They will also examine you to determine if there are any medical conditions that may be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. The NHS can also offer a private adult adhd diagnosis, but this can take a very long time because of the backed up NHS waiting lists. Some people find that paying out of pocket for a private treatment and assessment through the “Right to Choose” route is simpler. But, it is important to keep in mind that the quality of care from private providers is a lot different and it is vital to select your provider with care. Medication If you have been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in your adulthood it is a good idea to have a complete and thorough assessment. This will enable you to find the right medication and the support that you require to manage your symptoms. There are many private companies that offer this service. However, if you choose to go down this route it is essential to look into the reputation of the chosen psychiatrist and the level of their training and experience in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders. In recent months, a variety of public figures have come out about their struggles with ADHD. For instance, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and stated that the diagnosis “made everything make sense”. However, despite the increased awareness, NHS waiting lists remain overflowing with people who want to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. To avoid this, doctors frequently do not recommend their patients to specialist services to obtain an official ADHD diagnosis. This is largely because they don't have the time, and in some instances, they might not be able find a clinician who has expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders. In some areas, the NHS staff might have to address other needs like mental health assessments. There is also a perception among some private companies offering ADHD assessments are prone to over-diagnosing adults with the condition, which could have devastating consequences for some people. The BBC Panorama programme raised this concern and there is a real need to improve access to specialist ADHD assessments. If you've been given a personal diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder by using a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamine can be utilized to improve the ability to control impulses and attention as well as slower-acting non-stimulants such as atomoxetine could be beneficial in improving focus and productivity. Certain patients choose only treatment for behavioural issues and do not require medication. Priory can put together an after-diagnostic care plan for those who require medication. This will include a comprehensive report as well as a titration for the final dose that can be shared with your GP. Post-diagnostic treatment A diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by significant human and financial costs. It is essential to conduct a psychiatric assessment and treatment plan for all adults with ADHD. This should include medications, psychological and practical support and family therapy when 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 involves an appointment with a mental health professional who is qualified to evaluate ADHD or other issues. Patients are required to bring a list of their symptoms and any other mental health concerns to the initial appointment. The interview will cover the patient's medical, psychiatric, and family history. It will also look at how ADHD symptoms affect the individual's daily functioning and their relationships. During this procedure the doctor will confirm that the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must appear in two different environments (home or at 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 a problem finding a job or coping with finances or marriage or school issues, or in their general quality of life. Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are educated in the functioning of the brain, however they are unable to prescribe medications. They can only offer advice. Psychologists are able to diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication if necessary. If the Psychiatrist determines that the patient with ADHD needs medication, he or she will prescribe a prescription to a local pharmacist. This is under the supervision and guidance of the Psychiatrist. It should be completed in three months from the private assessment. This will allow the patient to fully adjust their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue prescribing ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD assessment The Psychiatrist can write a detailed report with treatment recommendations. They can also draft a Shared Care Agreement.