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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 some private clinics might be handing inaccurate diagnoses and prescribing inappropriate medications. A valid diagnosis for ADHD is based on the severity, number and duration of symptoms. The physician will interview the individual and examine the medical, psychiatric, family and personal history. Diagnosis If you are an adult who believes that you are suffering from symptoms that could be related to ADHD, getting a diagnosis is an essential step towards finding treatment and gaining control over their lives. If they believe they suffer from ADHD or someone in their family or a friend has suggested it, an assessment can help them manage their symptoms. The first thing patients need to do is discuss their concerns with a GP. They must inform them of their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. The doctor will direct them to an expert mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be a skilled psychiatrist who has had special training in this area. This is crucial because it lets the psychiatrist be certain that they are using the right criteria to diagnose ADHD. private adhd assessment cost will ask the patient to bring their spouse or family members and acquaintances who are familiar with them. They'll also need to examine the patient's medical and mental history from childhood onwards. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and their effects on the patient's life. There isn't a brain scan or blood test that can be used to confirm an ADHD diagnosis Therefore, the psychiatrist will have to evaluate all of the information available. If the psychiatrist does not feel that the patient meets all the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will explain the reason. It could be that the patient hasn't given sufficient detail about their difficulties or that another condition explains their behaviour better than ADHD. It could also be that the doctor believes that the patient's difficulties stem from something else, and not ADHD. Certain people find it difficult to obtain a diagnosis because of the prejudices espoused by certain health professionals. This is especially the case if you're a person who is of color or a woman who was born or do not speak English natively. The NHS is doing its best to address this problem. The Assessment If you are concerned that you might be suffering from ADHD you should seek an assessment from a medical care professional who has experience in conducting such assessments. You can ask your doctor for a referral or consult with the local medical schools or hospitals to determine which professionals are qualified for an ADHD assessment for adults. You may also ask for a referral from an ADHD support group in your area. A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount of, severity and duration of symptoms that affect specific areas of your life. This includes relationships, school and work. There are times when you may face problems in the form of underachieving in school or work, difficulties in maintaining and forming relationships and being forgetful or disorganised. It is crucial to talk about these problems and not be afraid to take criticism. From GPs to psychiatrists who consult, there are many healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment. To make a formal diagnosis of ADHD it should be carried out 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 essential to bring a loved one with you to provide support or evidence. It is also beneficial to note down your symptoms and how they've affected your life. The doctor will ask you questions to find out more about your history and present functioning. They will also look at your body to determine if there are any medical conditions that could be causing symptoms of ADHD. The NHS can also offer an adult adhd diagnosis privately, but this can take a long time because of the backed up NHS waiting lists. Some people find that paying out of pocket for 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 dramatically. Medication If you've been struggling with symptoms of ADHD as an adult it is a good idea to have a full and comprehensive assessment done. This will help you get the right medication and help you require to manage your symptoms. There are many private companies that offer this service. However, should you decide to go this route it is essential to investigate the reputation of your chosen psychiatrist and their knowledge and training with neurodevelopmental disorders. A large number of public figures have spoken out about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. Sue Perkins, the host of Great British Bake Off, was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. She stated that this diagnosis “made everything seem more rational”. However, despite the increased awareness, NHS waiting lists remain jam-packed with people who want to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. In the end doctors are often reluctant to refer patients to specialist services for a private diagnosis of ADHD. This is partly because they lack the time or resources and, in some instances, they may be unable to locate a specialist with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions. In certain areas, this is exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff could be assigned other needs such as mental health assessments. There is also a perception that certain private companies offering ADHD assessments are over-diagnosing adults with the condition, which can result in devastating consequences for certain people. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue, and there is a dire need to increase accessibility to specialist ADHD assessments. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD and you've been diagnosed, you can treat it using a combination therapy for behavioural issues and medication. Stimulant drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate can be employed to increase focus and productivity, while non-stimulants that are slower-acting like atomoxetine can be useful for improving your attention and impulse control. Certain patients choose only treatment for behavioural issues, and do not need medication. For those who require medication, a post-diagnostic package of care could be formulated at Priory. This will include a comprehensive report and titration for the final dose, which can be shared with your GP. Post-diagnostic treatment A diagnosis of ADHD could have significant financial and human costs. This is why it is vital that a psychiatric evaluation and treatment programme be accessible to all adults with ADHD. This should include medication and practical and psychological assistance and family therapy, if needed. This should also include family and workplace education about how to better manage and assist an adult with ADHD in their daily lives. The first step is to schedule an interview with a mental health professional who is qualified to assess ADHD or other conditions. Patients should bring a written list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health concerns to the initial appointment. The interview will cover the patient's medical, mental health and family background. It will also discuss how ADHD symptoms impact the patient's daily life and relationships. During this process, the doctor will verify that the symptoms match the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must be present in two places of the person's daily life (either home or work). It must interfere with their normal functioning and result in significant distress or impairment. This may be in the form of difficulty keeping a job, trouble with marriage or coping with financial issues, difficulties at school or in their overall quality of life. There are a range of professionals who perform an assessment for ADHD, including Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists are experts on how the brain works however, they are not qualified to prescribe medication, and cannot recommend counseling. Psychologists are fully trained to diagnose and treat ADHD, and can offer medications if required. If the Psychiatrist decides that the patient has ADHD requires medication, he or she will write a prescription for a local pharmacist. This is under the supervision and guidance of the Psychiatrist. It should be completed within three months after the private assessment. This allows the patient to fully titrate into their final dosage of medication. If the GP is in agreement to continue to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD assessment the Psychiatrist can write a detailed report with treatment recommendations. They can also draft an agreement known as a Shared Care Agreement.