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ADHD Diagnosis – Getting the Right One From the NHS In order for people to receive an accurate diagnosis for ADHD, the NHS requires a thorough examination. The BBC investigation revealed that some private clinics may be giving inaccurate diagnoses and prescribing inappropriate medication. private adhd assessment adult for ADHD is determined by the severity, number and duration of symptoms. The doctor will interview and examine the patient's medical, mental health and family history. Diagnosis If you are an adult who believes that you are suffering from symptoms that could be associated with ADHD, getting a diagnosis is a key step to finding treatment and gaining control of their lives. If they believe they suffer from ADHD or a family member or friend has suggested it, a diagnosis can help them manage their symptoms. The first thing patients should do is discuss their concerns with a GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they affect your daily routine. The GP will then refer them to a specialist mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. This specialist should be a skilled psychiatrist who has had specialist training in the area. This is crucial because it means that the psychiatrist can be confident that they have used the correct criteria for diagnosing ADHD. The psychiatrist will talk to the patient and often will ask them to bring their spouse, or close relatives and friends who know them well. They'll also need to consider the patient's medical and mental history from childhood onwards. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and how they have affected the patient's life. There isn't a brain scan or blood test that can confirm the ADHD diagnosis Therefore, the psychiatrist will need to assess all the available information. If the psychiatrist feels that the patient does not meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnoses the psychiatrist will discuss their reasons. It could be that the patient did not provide enough information about their problems or another medical condition is more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. Or, it could be that the doctor believes that the patient's issues are caused by something else and not due to the condition. Some people find it harder to receive a correct diagnosis due to the prejudices of certain healthcare professionals. This can be especially the case when they are a person of colour or assigned a female birth or not a native English speaker. However, there is a growing awareness of this issue and the NHS is trying to tackle it. The Assessment If you are concerned you might be suffering from ADHD you should get an assessment from a health care professional who is experienced in conducting such assessments. You can ask your doctor for a referral or check with local medical schools or hospitals to determine who is qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You may also ask a local ADHD support group for an appointment. The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the amount, severity, and duration of symptoms in certain areas of one's life. These could include work, school and relationships. There are times when you may face problems with regards to not performing in school or work, difficulties in maintaining and forming relationships and being forgetful or unorganized. It is important to discuss these issues and not be afraid to confront criticism. There are a myriad of healthcare professionals that are able to conduct an ADHD assessment from GP's to consultant psychiatrists. To provide a formal diagnosis of ADHD it must be done by a qualified Psychiatrist or a Special Nurse who is a Prescriber Qualified. This is because only a Psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication to treat symptoms of ADHD. In an ADHD evaluation, you will be questioned. It is crucial to bring a loved one to help or provide evidence. It is beneficial to write down your symptoms, and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask questions to discover more about your past and how you are functioning. They will also check you to determine if you have any medical conditions that may be responsible for your ADHD symptoms. You can also obtain an adult adhd private diagnosis through the NHS however it may take some time due to the clogged NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for private treatment and assessment through the “Right to Choose” pathway is easier. It is important to keep in mind that the quality and price of private healthcare can differ dramatically. Medication If you've struggled with symptoms of ADHD as an adult it is a good idea to have a full and comprehensive assessment done. This will allow you to get the right medication, and the help you need to manage symptoms. There are many private companies that offer this service, but if you choose to go down this route, it is important to research the reputation of your chosen psychiatrist and their knowledge and training with neurodevelopmental disorders. A lot of public figures 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 said that this diagnosis “made everything seem more rational”. But, despite an increase in awareness, NHS waiting lists remain overflowing with people wanting to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. In order to avoid this, doctors often are reluctant to refer patients to specialist services to obtain an official ADHD diagnosis. This is mainly because they do not have the time and, in some cases they may not be able to locate a specialist who is skilled in neurodevelopmental disorders. In certain areas, this is exacerbated by the fact that NHS staff may be assigned other requirements such as mental health assessments. There are those who believe that private companies offering ADHD assessments over-diagnose adults with the condition. This can have devastating effects for certain. The BBC Panorama programme raised this concern and there is a real need to increase access to specialist ADHD assessments. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD and you've been diagnosed, you can treat it by combining therapy for behavioural issues and medication. Stimulant medications such as amphetamine and methylphenidate can be utilized to enhance concentration and control of impulses as well as slower-acting non-stimulants such as atomoxetine could be helpful in improving focus and productivity. Some patients only choose behavioural therapy, and do not need medication. Priory can put together a post-diagnostic treatment package for patients who require medication. This will include a thorough report as well as a titration for the final dose that can be shared with your GP. Post-diagnostic treatment A diagnosis of ADHD can be a significant one for both the human and financial costs. This is why it is vital that a psychiatric assessment and treatment program be accessible to all adults with ADHD. This should include medications, psychological and practical assistance and family therapy where appropriate. This should include workplace and family information on how to best support and manage an adult with ADHD. The first step is to interview with an expert in mental health care who is trained to assess ADHD and other related disorders. Patients are required to bring a list with their symptoms as well as any other mental health concerns they have to the initial appointment. The interview will look into the patient's medical and mental health history, as well as their family history. It will also discuss the impact of ADHD on the individual's daily life and relationships. During this process the doctor will ensure that the symptoms are in line with the criteria for ADHD as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must appear in two different settings (home or work) of the person's everyday life. It must affect their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This can be in the form of difficulties finding a job or coping with finances or marriage, problems in school or in their overall quality of living. There are a 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 unable to prescribe medications. They are able to provide counseling. Psychologists are fully trained to diagnose and treat ADHD and may prescribe medication if needed. If the Psychiatrist is of the opinion that the person with ADHD requires medication, they will write a prescription and give it to a local pharmacy. This is done under the supervision of a psychiatrist and must be completed within three months from the private assessment to ensure that the individual has time to be fully adjusted to their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS following the private ADHD assessment, the Psychiatrist can provide a comprehensive report with treatment recommendations. They will also prepare an agreement known as a Shared Care Agreement.