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ADHD Diagnosis – Getting the Right One From the NHS In order for people to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD, the NHS requires a thorough examination. The BBC investigation revealed that some private clinics may be giving out unreliable diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. A valid diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number, severity, duration and impact of symptoms. The clinician will interview the patient and go over the medical, psychiatric, family and personal history. Diagnosis Adults who experience symptoms that they believe could be ADHD should seek a diagnosis to find the best treatment and take control of their life. If they are aware that they may have the condition, or been told by a family member or friend that a member suggest they might have it, obtaining the correct diagnosis can help them discover the treatment and support needed to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively. The first thing that patients need to do is discuss their concerns with an GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they impact your daily life. The doctor will refer them to an experienced mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist should be one who has undergone specialist training in this field. 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 ask the patient to bring their spouse or close family members and friends who are familiar to them. They will also need to take into account the patient's medical history as well as psychiatric past, starting from childhood. They will also be looking at the severity of the symptoms and their effects on the patient's life. adhd assessment private or blood test will not confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need to consider all the available information. If the psychiatrist feels that the patient doesn't meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will be able to explain why. It could be because the patient didn't provide enough information about their problems or another medical condition is more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. It could also be that the therapist believes that the patient's difficulties stem from something else, and not ADHD. Certain people find it difficult to receive a correct diagnosis because of the prejudices held by some health experts. This is especially the case if they are someone of color or a woman born at birth or not a native English speaker. However there is an increasing awareness of this problem and the NHS is working on tackling the issue. The Assessment If you are concerned that you may have ADHD you should get an assessment from a health healthcare professional who is skilled in conducting such assessments. You can ask your personal physician for a referral or consult at local universities' hospitals or medical schools to find out which professionals are qualified to perform an ADHD evaluation for adults. You could also seek a referral from an ADHD support group in your area. A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number of, severity and duration of symptoms that affect specific areas of your life. These include school, relationships and work. You might be struggling with being unable to perform at school or at work, or having trouble forming and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or unorganised. It is important to discuss these issues in a candid manner and not hold back from the fear of being criticized. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultants psychiatrists. To provide a formal diagnosis of ADHD it must be performed either by a Psychiatrist who is qualified, or a Prescriber Qualified Special Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist is qualified to prescribe medication for ADHD. In the course of an ADHD assessment, you will be questioned. It is crucial to bring a loved one with you to provide support or evidence. It is also beneficial to write down your symptoms and how they have affected your life. The doctor will ask questions to learn about your history and how you are functioning. They will also examine your body to determine if there are any medical conditions which could be causing symptoms of ADHD. The NHS can also provide a private adult adhd diagnosis 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 assessment 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 it is vital that you choose carefully. Medication It is recommended to have a thorough and complete assessment if you struggle with ADHD symptoms in adulthood. This will help you find the right medication and the assistance you require to manage the symptoms. There are many private companies who provide this service. If you decide to choose one of them, it is crucial to investigate the reputation of the psychiatrist, their training and experience in dealing neurodevelopmental disorders. In recent months, a number of prominent people have come out about their struggles with ADHD. 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 an increase in awareness, NHS waiting lists remain overflowing with people who want the right diagnosis and treatment. In order to avoid this, GPs often are reluctant to refer patients to specialist services in order to obtain an official ADHD diagnosis. This is mainly because they don't have the time and in some cases, they may be unable to locate a specialist with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions. In some areas, the NHS personnel may be required to address other needs like mental health assessments. Many people believe that private companies offering ADHD assessments over-diagnose adults with the condition. This could result in devastating effects for certain. This concern was raised by the BBC Panorama program and there is a need to increase access to ADHD assessments. If you've been given a personal diagnosis of ADHD it is possible to treat the disorder with the combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Stimulant drugs such as amphetamine and methylphenidate are utilized to boost focus and productivity, while slower-acting non-stimulants like atomoxetine are useful for improving your attention and impulse control. Some patients choose to only utilize behavioural therapy and do not require medication. Priory can put together a post-diagnostic care package for those who require medication. This will include a comprehensive report and titration for the final dose which can be shared with your GP. Post-diagnostic care A diagnosis of ADHD could be accompanied by significant human and financial costs. This is why it is so important that a psychiatric examination and treatment programme be accessible to all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medication, practical and psychological assistance, as well as therapy for families if it is appropriate. This should also extend to the workplace and family members on how to better manage and assist an adult with ADHD in their daily lives. The first step is to interview with an expert in mental health care who is certified to evaluate ADHD and other related disorders. Patients are required to bring a written list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health issues to the first appointment. The interview will go over the patient's medical, mental health and family background. It will also discuss the effects of ADHD on the person's everyday life and relationships. During this process the doctor will confirm that the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptoms must be present in two different settings (home or at work) of the person's daily life. It should affect their normal functioning and result in significant distress or impairment. This can take the form of difficulty finding a job, issues in marriage, or having to deal with finances, issues at school or in their overall level of living. There is a wide range of professionals that can perform an assessment for ADHD that includes Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists are trained in the functioning of the brain, but they are not able to prescribe medication. They are able to provide counseling. Psychologists are able to diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication when required. If the Psychiatrist decides that the person suffering from ADHD requires medication, they will write a prescription and supply it to a local pharmacy. This is under the supervision of a Psychiatrist and must be completed within three months of the private assessment to ensure that the individual has time to be fully 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 that includes treatment recommendations. They will also prepare a Shared Care Agreement.