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ADHD Diagnosis – Getting the Right One From the NHS For people to get an accurate diagnosis for ADHD, the NHS requires a thorough assessment. The BBC investigation revealed that a few private clinics might provide incorrect diagnoses and medications. A reliable diagnosis for ADHD is based on the number, severity and duration of symptoms. The doctor will interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and family medical history. Diagnosis Adults with symptoms they believe may be ADHD should seek out a diagnosis to determine the right treatment and gain control of their life. Whether they have an instinct that they might have the disorder, or have had a family or friend member suggest they might be suffering from it, obtaining the correct diagnosis can allow them to find the treatments and support to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively. Patients must first discuss their issues with an GP. Inform them of your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. The doctor will refer them to an experienced mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be a skilled psychiatrist who has received specialist training in the area. This is crucial because it means that the psychiatrist can be confident that they are using the correct criteria for diagnosing ADHD. The psychiatrist will conduct an interview with the patient and may ask them to bring in their spouse, or close friends and relatives who are familiar with them. They will also have to consider the patient's medical history as well as psychiatric past, starting from childhood. 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 have to consider all the available information available. If the psychiatrist believes that the patient doesn't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses the psychiatrist will discuss their reasons. It could be because the patient did not provide enough information about their issues or another condition could be more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. Alternatively, it might be the case that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's problems may be due to a different cause and not the condition. Some people are unable to get a proper diagnosis due to the prejudices of certain health professionals. This can be especially the case if they are a person of colour or a woman born at birth, or are not an English speaker. However there is a growing awareness of this problem and the NHS is working to address it. Assessment If you think you may have ADHD, you should seek an evaluation by a health care provider who has experience in such tests. You can ask your personal physician to recommend a specialist or check with local university-based hospitals or medical schools to find out which professionals are qualified to conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. You could also seek a referral from an ADHD support group in your area. A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number, severity and duration of symptoms that impact specific areas of your life. This could include school, work and relationships. You might experience issues with regards to not performing at work or education or in difficulty in maintaining and forming relationships and being forgetful or unorganized. It is essential to talk about these problems and not be afraid to confront criticism. From GPs to psychiatrists who consult, there are many healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment. However, to officially recognize a diagnosis of ADHD the assessment must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist or a Prescriber Certified Specialist Nurse. This is because only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication for the treatment of ADHD. During an ADHD evaluation, you will be questioned. It is crucial to bring a family member to help or provide evidence. It is also beneficial to write down your symptoms and how they have impacted your life. The doctor will ask questions to find out more about your life experiences and present functioning. They will also examine you to see whether there are any medical conditions that may be responsible for your ADHD symptoms. You can also obtain an adult adhd private diagnosis through the NHS, but it can take some time due to the long NHS waiting lists. Some people find it easier to pay out of their own pockets for a private assessment and treatment via the 'Right to Choice route. It is important to keep in mind that the cost and quality of private healthcare can differ dramatically. Medication If you have been struggling with symptoms of ADHD in adulthood it is a good idea to get a thorough and thorough assessment. This will enable you to find the right medication and the help you require to manage your symptoms. There are iampsychiatry.com who provide this service. If you decide to choose one of them, it is essential that you research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their training and experience in managing neurodevelopmental disorders. In recent months, a number of public figures have come out about their struggles with ADHD. Sue Perkins, the host of Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. She said that this diagnosis “made everything seem more rational”. NHS waiting lists are still overcrowded despite the increasing awareness. To avoid this, doctors frequently hesitate to refer their patients to specialist services for an official ADHD diagnosis. This is partly because they don't have the time and in some cases they may not be able to locate a specialist with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions. In some areas, this is made worse by the fact that NHS staff may be assigned other needs such as 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 can cause severe harm to some people. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue and there is a real need to increase access to specialized ADHD assessments. Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD, it is possible to treat the disorder using the combination of treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and amphetamine can be used to boost concentration and control of impulses, while slower acting non-stimulants such as atomoxetine can be helpful in enhancing concentration and productivity. Some patients prefer to use behavioural therapy and do not require medication. Priory can put together an after-diagnostic care plan for those who require medication. This includes a detailed report as well as a titration for 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 human and financial costs. This is why it's vital that a psychiatric examination and treatment programme be accessible to all adults with ADHD. This should include medication, psychological and practical support and family therapy where appropriate. This should also include the workplace and family members on how to better manage and support an adult with ADHD in their daily life. The first step is an appointment with a mental health professional who is certified to evaluate ADHD or other disorders. Patients must bring a list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health concerns they may have to their first appointment. This interview will review the patient's medical, psychiatric and family background. It will also look at how the ADHD symptoms impact the patient's daily functioning and their relationships. In this process the doctor will confirm that the symptoms meet 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 must affect their normal functioning and cause significant distress or impairment. This can be in the form a difficulty in securing a job, dealing with marriage or finances, problems in school or in their overall quality of living. Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are trained in the function of the brain, however they are not able to prescribe medication. They can only offer counselling. Psychiatrists are fully qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD and may prescribe medications if required. If the Psychiatrist decides that the person has ADHD requires medication, they will prescribe a prescription to a local pharmacist. This is under the supervision of a psychiatrist and must be completed within three months after the private assessment to ensure that the person has time to be fully titrated into their final dose of medication. If the GP agrees that they will continue to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD evaluation the Psychiatrist can provide a comprehensive report with treatment recommendations. They will also draft an agreement known as a Shared Care Agreement.