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ADHD Diagnosis – Getting the Right One From the NHS The NHS requires that patients undergo a thorough assessment in order to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis. The BBC investigation found that some private clinics might be handing an unreliable diagnosis or prescribing the wrong medication. A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms and their severity, duration and impact. The clinician will interview and examine the patient's medical, mental health and family background. Diagnosis Adults who experience symptoms that they believe may be ADHD should seek a diagnosis to find the appropriate treatment and control their life. If they are aware that they might have the disorder, or have been told by a family member or friend that a member suggest they might have it, getting the right diagnosis can help them find the treatment and support needed to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively. Patients should first discuss their concerns with an GP. Discuss your symptoms with them and how they affect your daily life. The doctor will then direct them to a specialist mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be psychiatrist who has completed specialist training in this area. This is essential because it allows the psychiatrist to be sure that they're applying the correct criteria to determine ADHD. The psychiatrist will interview the patient and frequently request their spouse, or close friends and relatives who are familiar with them. They will also need to take into account the patient's medical history as well as the psychiatric history, beginning from childhood. They will also be looking at the severity of symptoms and the impact on the patient's life. A brain scan or blood test will not confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will have to consider all the available information available. If the psychiatrist does not think that the patient is meeting all of the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will explain the reasons. It could be that the patient has not given sufficient detail about their difficulties, or it might be that a different condition is responsible for their behavior more effectively than ADHD. It could also be that the psychiatrist believes that the patient's issues are due to something else, and not ADHD. Some people find it harder to receive a correct diagnosis because of the prejudices held by some healthcare experts. This is particularly true if you are a person who is of color, a woman at birth or don't speak English natively. The NHS is doing its best to solve this problem. Assessment If you're concerned that you might have ADHD you should seek an assessment from a health care professional who is experienced in conducting these assessments. You can ask your personal physician for a referral or consult with local university-based hospitals or medical schools to determine which professionals are qualified to conduct an ADHD assessment for adults. You can also ask an individual from your local ADHD support group for a referral. A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the amount severity, duration and severity of symptoms that affect specific areas of your life. This includes relationships, school and work. There are many reasons to be concerned about not performing well in school or at working, having difficulties making and maintaining relationships, or being forgetful or unorganised. It is essential to discuss these issues in a candid manner and not hold back from fear of being criticized. From GPs and consultant psychiatrists, there are many healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment. To give a definitive diagnosis of ADHD it must be performed either by a qualified Psychiatrist or a Special Nurse who is a Prescriber Qualified. Only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication for ADHD. You will usually be interviewed during an ADHD assessment, and it is important to bring along a family member for support or evidence. It is helpful to note the symptoms you experience and how they impact your life. The doctor will ask you questions to gather information about your history and how you are doing. They will also check you to determine if you have any medical conditions that may be responsible for your ADHD symptoms. The NHS can also provide an adult adhd diagnosis privately, but this can take a considerable amount of time because of the backed up NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer to pay out of their own pockets for a private assessment and treatment through the 'Right To Choose option. It is important to keep in mind that the quality and price of private healthcare can differ dramatically. Medication It is recommended to get a comprehensive and full assessment if you are struggling with ADHD symptoms into adulthood. This will enable you to receive the correct medication and help you require to manage your symptoms. There are a variety of private companies that offer this service, but should you decide to go this route it is crucial to research the reputation of your chosen psychiatrist and the level of 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 her diagnosis “made everything make sense”. NHS waiting lists are still crowded despite increasing awareness. In order to avoid this, doctors often do not recommend their patients to specialist services in order to obtain an official ADHD diagnosis. This is largely due to the fact that they don't have the time, and in certain cases, they may not be able to locate a clinician who has expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders. In some areas, this is made worse by the fact that NHS staff are often tasked with other care 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 some. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue and there is a dire need to improve access to specialist ADHD assessments. If This Resource site 've been diagnosed as having ADHD, you can treat it by combining treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant drugs like amphetamine and methylphenidate are utilized to boost focus and productivity, while slower-acting non-stimulants like atomoxetine are beneficial for improving your attention and impulse control. Some patients opt for the behavioural approach and do not require medication. Priory can create a post-diagnostic treatment package for patients who require medication. This will include a comprehensive medical report, as well as a titration for the final dose, which can be shared with your GP. Post-diagnostic treatment A diagnosis of ADHD can have significant human and financial costs. It is essential to provide a psychiatric examination and treatment plan for all adults suffering from ADHD. This should include medication, psychological and practical assistance and family therapy if needed. This should also include the workplace and family members on how to better manage and assist 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 other related disorders. Patients must bring a written list of their symptoms, as well as any other mental health concerns to the first appointment. This interview will examine the patient's medical and mental health history and their family history. It will also look at the effects of ADHD on the person's everyday life and relationships. During this procedure 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 at work) of the person's everyday life. It should affect the person's normal functioning, and cause a lot of distress. This can take the form a difficulty in securing a job, managing finances or marriage or school problems, or in their general quality of life. Psychologists and psychiatrists are among the professionals who can carry out an ADHD assessment. Psychologists are experts on how the brain works however, they are not qualified to prescribe medications, so can only suggest counselling. Psychiatrists can diagnose and treat ADHD and prescribe medication if necessary. If the Psychiatrist decides that the patient with ADHD does need medication, they will prescribe the medication and give it to the 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 is able to be titrated into their final dosage of medication. If the GP accepts to continue NHS prescribing after the private ADHD assessment The Psychiatrist will present them with a complete report and treatment suggestions and will draw up a Shared Care Agreement with the GP.