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ADHD Diagnosis – Getting the Right One From the NHS To give people an accurate diagnosis of ADHD, the NHS requires a thorough evaluation. The BBC investigation found that some private clinics could be giving inaccurate diagnoses and prescribing inappropriate medication. A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on the symptoms and their severity, duration and impact. The clinician will interview the individual and review the medical, psychiatric, family and personal history. Diagnosis For those who believe they have symptoms that may be connected to ADHD, getting a diagnosis is a key step to finding treatment and gaining control of their lives. If they feel that they might have the condition, or have had a friend or family member suggest they might have it, obtaining the correct diagnosis can help them find the treatments and support to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively. Patients must first discuss their issues with an GP. They should be able to discuss their symptoms and how they affect their daily lives. The doctor will then recommend them to an expert mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be a seasoned psychiatrist who has had specific training in the field. This is important as it means that the psychiatrist will be confident that they have used the right criteria to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will request that the patient bring their partner or close family members and friends who are familiar to them. They'll also have to look at the patient's medical and mental background from childhood to now. They will also take into account the severity of the symptoms and how they have affected the patient's lifestyle. There is no blood test or brain scan that can be used to confirm the ADHD diagnosis The psychiatrist will need to assess all of the information available. If the psychiatrist doesn't think that the patient is meeting all of the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will explain the reason. It could be because the patient did not give enough details about their difficulties or that another condition better explains their behavior than ADHD. It could also be that the doctor believes that the patient's problems are due to something else and not due to the condition. Some people find it harder to receive a correct diagnosis because of the prejudices espoused by certain healthcare professionals. This can be especially the case if they're a person of colour or a woman born at birth, or are not an English native speaker. However, there is a growing awareness of the issue and the NHS is working on tackling it. Assessment If you suspect you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should seek an evaluation by a healthcare professional who is experienced in these evaluations. You can ask your personal physician for a referral or consult with local university-based hospitals or medical schools to find out who is qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. You can also request a referral from an ADHD support group in your area. A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number severity, duration and severity of symptoms that affect specific areas of your life. These could include school, work and relationships. There are times when you may face problems that result in you not performing in school or work or in difficulty in maintaining and forming relationships, and being unorganized or disorganized. It is essential to discuss these issues openly and not be hesitant to speak out against the fear of criticism. There are a myriad of healthcare professionals that can carry out an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultants psychiatrists. However, in order to be able to give a legally recognized diagnosis of ADHD, it must be performed by a qualified Psychiatrist, or a Prescriber Qualified Specialist Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication for ADHD. You are usually questioned during an ADHD assessment, and it is important to bring someone from your family to offer assistance or to provide evidence. It is helpful to note your symptoms and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask questions to find out more about your history and how you are currently functioning. private adhd assessment uk will also check you to determine if there are any medical conditions that may be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. The NHS can also offer an adult adhd diagnosis privately however this could take a long time because of the backed up NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for a private treatment and evaluation through the “Right to Choose” option is more convenient. It is important to remember that the quality and price of private healthcare can differ greatly. Medication If you've struggled with symptoms of ADHD in adulthood it is a good idea to get a thorough and comprehensive assessment done. This will help you get the right medication and assistance you require to manage your symptoms. There are a variety of private companies that offer this service but, if you choose to go down this route it is essential to research the reputation of your selected psychiatrist, as well as their training and experience in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders. A high number of celebrities have been open about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. Sue Perkins, the host of the Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. She claimed that the diagnosis “made everything seem to make sense”. However, despite increasing awareness, NHS waiting lists remain jam-packed with people who want to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. In order to avoid this, GPs often do not recommend their patients to specialist services to obtain a private ADHD diagnosis. This is mainly because they don't have the time and, in some instances, they may be unable to locate a doctor who is skilled in neurodevelopmental disorders. In some areas, this is further exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff may be being tasked with other health requirements like mental health assessments. There is also a perception that some private companies offering ADHD assessments are prone to misdiagnosing people with the condition, and this can have devastating consequences for some people. This issue was highlighted by the BBC Panorama program and there is a pressing need to increase access to ADHD assessments. If you've been given a personal diagnosis of ADHD, it is possible to treat the disorder by using the combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs like amphetamine or methylphenidate can be utilized to boost productivity and focus, while non-stimulants with a slower onset like atomoxetine are beneficial for improving your attention and impulse control. Some patients only choose the behavioural approach and do not require medication. Priory can create a post-diagnostic treatment package for patients who require medication. This will include a comprehensive medical report as well as a titration of the final dose, which can be shared with your GP. Post-diagnostic treatment A diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by significant human and financial costs. This is why it is crucial that a psychiatric evaluation and treatment program be made available to all adults with ADHD. This should include medications, psychological and practical support and family therapy if needed. This should also include workplace and family education on how to better manage and support an adult with ADHD in their daily life. The first step is to interview with an expert in mental health who is trained to assess ADHD and related conditions. Patients should bring a written list of their symptoms, as well as any other mental health concerns prior to their first 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 person's daily life and relationships. During this procedure, 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 symptom has to be present in two different settings of the person's life (either at home or at work). It should affect the person's normal functioning, and cause significant distress. This can be in the form of a problem in keeping a job or managing finances or marriage or school problems, or their overall quality of life. Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are trained in the functioning of the brain, however they are not able to prescribe medication. They are able to provide counseling. Psychiatrists can diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication when required. If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the patient has ADHD requires medication, they will write a prescription for an area pharmacist. This is under the supervision of a Psychiatrist and should be completed within three months of the private assessment to ensure that the person is able to be adjusted to 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 with treatment recommendations. They can also prepare a Shared Care Agreement.