ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a nagging condition that can be difficult to manage. It can be a problem for anyone from childhood to adulthood.
Some people opt to pay privately for ADHD tests and medication because NHS wait times are at an all-time high. The recent BBC Panorama documentary has highlighted concerns that some of these services aren't adequate.
What is ADHD?
An ADHD diagnosis is a clinical assessment by your psychiatrist based on your developmental history, behavioural tendencies and symptoms. To determine a diagnosis they will ask you to fill out several questionnaires and then interview you to build up a clinical picture. Some of these questionnaires are common and used by all psychiatrists, while others are tailored to each psychiatrist. Each clinic and psychiatrist will have their particular list of questions and tests they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist will also look at your family history, medical and mental health history, along with your current symptoms. Often, they will also inquire about the way your symptoms affect your work, home, and in other settings. Then, they will determine whether your symptoms are consistent with the guidelines for treating mental illness established by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5DSM).
Your symptoms should be present at least twice (at school, at home, and/or in social situations) and seriously limit your ability to function. Your symptoms must have been persistent for a long time and began before you reached 12 years old. In addition, you must meet the criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations of ADHD to get a diagnosis.
During the interview your psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms have been present from childhood and how they are affecting you at the moment. They will also determine if you have other conditions that might be causing your symptoms, like anxiety or sleep disorders or depression.
It is important to remember that many adults with ADHD don't have a good memory of their childhood, particularly if it was difficult. This can make it difficult for them to recognize ADHD symptoms in the present. Your doctor may have to speak with someone close to you like your spouse or partner, to get more information about your childhood.
Asking your primary care doctor for a referral or consulting the staff of the local hospital for university patients, or calling a mental clinic will help you find an expert in healthcare who specializes in ADHD assessments. You can also join a support group for individuals with ADHD and request suggestions.
Why should I be assessed for ADHD?
Before you begin any treatment, it is important to get a complete diagnosis if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD. Only a healthcare professional can make a diagnosis of ADHD after a thorough examination. If you don't recognize it, ADHD can cause major problems with work, relationships and well-being.
If your GP is aware that you believe you suffer from ADHD symptoms, they'll be attentive and ask you for more information about your past and present. They'll likely refer you to an NHS screening test that will comprise an interview with a clinician and the submission of a number of validated ADHD evaluation scales.
You will also be asked to complete questionnaires with people who know you, for example, your close family members or friends. This helps the healthcare professional to gain an understanding of your behavior, and how it affects others. For instance, someone who has a high IQ may have developed strategies to compensate for their symptoms of ADHD, such as using technology to track appointments however, their spouse may be able to discern that they're having trouble remembering things.
Private healthcare professionals aren't permitted to break the rules simply because they pay for their assessment. They must still follow the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for ADHD assessments. However, the process can be quicker than waiting for an appointment with the NHS.
A ADHD assessment will help you understand the root of your issues and how best to deal with them, as well as getting you on the right track with medication. If you decide to start treatment with a therapist, it's a good idea to have your GP agree to a shared care agreement with your private physician (so you only pay for the NHS prescription charge), so that they can oversee your progress and offer advice on any changes. This will ensure that you're receiving the most effective and efficient treatment for your needs. Contact one of Priory's brain and mental experts today if you're interested in receiving an ADHD assessment.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
ADHD symptoms can differ from person to person and their manifestations can change over time. This is the reason why a precise diagnosis can be difficult to get, especially for adults, despite numerous GPs taking their concerns seriously. This is the reason why some people are more difficult to access NHS services in comparison to others. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and it can take a long time to evaluate a patient.
A person may not be able to find a job or their relationship may suffer. Adults who are not diagnosed are at greater risk of risk of developing serious issues such as mood disorders and substance abuse. They may experience extreme sadness or anxiety, and be tempted to settle for living a life without the drive and success that they could have if they had been diagnosed and treated.
The good news is that if you struggled to deal with your ADHD it is possible to receive the right diagnosis and treatment. If you choose to see an individual specialist to get an assessment, it is important to pick your choice carefully. Do your research and request recommendations from family and friends before making any decision. Examine their qualifications and credentials and ask former clients and patients about their experiences.
A qualified specialist can employ a variety of tools to determine the cause of ADHD, including questionnaires, interviews medical examinations, observation of behavior. The primary goal of the diagnosis is to rule out any other reasons, like emotional problems or learning disabilities that are difficult to differentiate from ADHD.
During an ADHD assessment the expert will interview you, your spouse or family members to assess your symptoms and their impact on your life. The specialist may also use an DSM-5 checklist of symptoms and other psychometric assessments to measure your severity. Stimulant medications improve ADHD symptoms in approximately 70 percent of both children and adults and has been used to treat ADHD since 1937. It is an extremely effective treatment because it has a positive effect on mood, and it can help stabilize brain function.
How can I get a diagnosis of ADHD?
To diagnose ADHD, a healthcare professional must interview you or your child. They will ask you or your child questions regarding their behavior in different settings, such as at school and at home. They may also use rating scales to help identify symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. They must know if your symptoms or those of your child are present since childhood and if these symptoms have affected your daily life.
They'll also ask whether the symptoms you or your child are experiencing are related to other mental health issues such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. About 80% of ADHD sufferers have co-occurring disorders, which is why it's important to eliminate them.
A private health care provider could also ask for your permission to interview family members, friends, teachers, religious and scout leaders or coaches. They will inquire about how your or your child’s behavior affects their daily functioning and will also ask if there is a history of abuse or trauma.
If they do not believe the diagnosis of ADHD to be appropriate medical expert will explain why. private adult adhd assessment uk could be that they don't think the symptoms are serious enough or believe they can be explained by a different condition.
It is a good idea to seek a referral from your family doctor for an ADHD evaluation. If you do not have a family physician you can contact your insurance provider for recommendations or contact a local mental support group.
Bring any relevant documents, including medical, psychological, education, and employment to your appointment. The health professional will likely ask for an extensive family and social history and will also conduct a physical exam.
After having reviewed all the information after which the health professional will be able to determine whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD. If they are required, they will suggest medication or other treatments. If you're planning to use the NHS prescription service for your medication, it is worth checking with them first to determine if they accept an NHS-accredited private diagnosis of ADHD.