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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 found that certain private clinics may be handing out inaccurate diagnoses and prescriptions. A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms and their severity, duration, and impact. The physician will interview the patient and examine the medical or psychiatric history, as well as family and personal history. Diagnosis For those who believe they are suffering from symptoms that could be related to ADHD and are seeking a diagnosis, it is a key step to finding a treatment and gaining control over their lives. Whether they have an instinct that they might have the disorder, or have been told by a family member or friend that a member suggest that they might have it, obtaining the right diagnosis can allow them to find the appropriate treatment and help to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively. Patients should first discuss their concerns with an GP. They should tell them about their symptoms and how they impact their daily life. The doctor will refer them to a seasoned 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 since it means that the psychiatrist can be confident that they are applying the right criteria to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will conduct an interview with the patient and may ask them to bring in their partner, or close family members and friends who are familiar with them. They will also need to take into account the patient's medical history and psychiatric past, starting from childhood. They will also take into consideration the severity of the symptoms and the effects on the patient's life. There is no brain scan or blood test that can be used to confirm the ADHD diagnosis The psychiatrist must evaluate all the available information. If the psychiatrist does not believe that the patient meets all the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will explain why. It could be that the patient did not provide enough information about their issues or another medical condition is more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. Or, private psychiatrist adhd assessment could be that the doctor believes that the patient's difficulties may be due to a different cause and not the condition. Certain people find it difficult to obtain a diagnosis due to the prejudices held by some health professionals. This is particularly true if you are someone of color, a woman at birth, or do not speak English natively. However there is an increasing awareness of the issue and the NHS is working to address it. Assessment If you are concerned that you might have ADHD you should seek an assessment from a medical healthcare professional who is skilled in conducting these assessments. You can ask your doctor for a referral or consult with the local medical schools or hospitals to find out who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You may also ask an individual from your local ADHD support group for a referral. A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the number severity, duration and severity of symptoms that affect particular areas of your life. This could include school, work and relationships. There are times when you may face problems that result in you not performing in your education or at work, difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships, and being unorganized or disorganised. It is important to discuss these issues and not be afraid to confront criticism. There are many different healthcare professionals that are able to conduct an ADHD assessment, from GP's to consultant psychiatrists. To provide a formal 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 for the treatment of ADHD. In the course of an ADHD evaluation, you will be questioned. It is important to bring a loved one along for support or as evidence. It is important to write your symptoms and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask you questions to gather information about your history and current condition. They will also examine your body to determine if there are any medical conditions which could cause the symptoms of ADHD. You can also access an adult adhd private diagnosis through the NHS however it may take a long time due to the clogged NHS waiting lists. Some people find it easier to pay out of their own pocket for an assessment and treatment that is private through the 'Right To Choose route. It is important to keep in mind that the quality and price of private healthcare can differ dramatically. Medication It is recommended to have a thorough and full assessment if you are experiencing ADHD symptoms into adulthood. This will help you get the right medication and support you need to manage your symptoms. There are numerous private companies that offer this service, but if you choose to go down this route, it is important to look into the reputation of the chosen psychiatrist and their expertise and training in dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders. In recent months, a lot of prominent people have opened up about their struggles with ADHD. For example, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s and stated that the diagnosis “made everything make sense”. NHS waiting lists are overcrowded despite the an increase in awareness. In the end doctors are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services for a private diagnosis of ADHD. This is mainly because they do not have the time or resources and, in some instances they may not be able to locate a specialist with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions. In certain areas, NHS staff may have to handle other requirements such as mental health assessments. Some people also believe that private providers of ADHD assessments are too quick to diagnose adults with the condition. This could result in devastating effects for certain. This issue was highlighted by the BBC Panorama program and there is an urgent need to improve accessibility for ADHD tests. Once you have a private diagnosis of ADHD, it is possible to treat the disorder by using the combination of behavioral therapy and medication. The stimulant medications like amphetamine and methylphenidate are utilized to enhance attention and impulse control as well as slower-acting non-stimulants such as atomoxetine could be beneficial in improving focus and productivity. Some patients choose to only employ behavioural therapy and do not require medication. Priory can create a post-diagnostic care package 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 treatment A diagnosis of ADHD may have significant financial and human costs. This is why it's vital that a psychiatric evaluation and treatment program be made available to all adults with ADHD. This should include medication as well as 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 lives. The first step is an interview with an expert in mental health care who is trained to assess ADHD and related conditions. Patients are required to bring a written list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health issues prior to their first appointment. This interview will review the patient's medical, psychiatric and 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 make sure whether the symptoms match 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 the person's normal functioning, and cause a lot of distress. This can be in the form of a problem finding a job or managing finances or marriage, problems in school or their overall quality of living. There is a wide range of professionals that can carry out an assessment for ADHD such as Psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychologists know how the brain functions however they are not able to prescribe medications, so can only recommend counselling. Psychologists are fully trained to diagnose and treat ADHD and offer medications if necessary. If the Psychiatrist decides that the patient has ADHD needs medication, they will write a prescription for an area pharmacist. This is done under the supervision and direction of the Psychiatrist, and should be completed in three months from the private assessment. This will allow the individual to fully titrate into their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD evaluation the Psychiatrist can provide a comprehensive report that includes treatment recommendations. They will also draw up the Shared Care Agreement.