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ADHD Diagnosis – Getting the Right One From the NHS For people to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD the NHS requires a thorough evaluation. The BBC investigation revealed that a few private clinics could be giving inaccurate diagnoses and prescribing inappropriate medication. A valid ADHD diagnosis is based on symptoms, their severity, duration, and impact. The physician will interview the patient and examine the medical, psychiatric, family and personal background. Diagnosis For adults who feel they are suffering from symptoms that could be related to ADHD being diagnosed is an essential step towards getting treatment and taking control of their lives. If they are aware that they might be suffering from the disorder, or have had a family or friend member suggest they might have it, getting the right diagnosis can help them find the appropriate treatment and help to manage their ADHD symptoms effectively. The first thing patients should do is discuss their concerns with an GP. They should be able to discuss their symptoms and how they impact their daily lives. The doctor will then recommend them to an expert mental health professional who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD. The specialist should be an experienced psychiatrist who has undergone specific training in the field. This is essential because it lets the psychiatrist be sure that they're using the right criteria to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will talk to the patient and may will ask them to bring their spouse, or close family members and friends who are familiar with them. They must also take into account the patient's medical history as well as the psychiatric history, beginning from childhood. They will also consider the severity of the symptoms and how they have affected the patient's lifestyle. A brain scan or blood test will not confirm an ADHD diagnosis. The psychiatrist will need to take into account all available information. If the psychiatrist doesn't think that the patient is meeting all the criteria required for an ADHD diagnosis the psychiatrist will explain the reasons. It could be that the patient didn't give enough details about their difficulties or that another condition could be more responsible for their behavior than ADHD. It could also be that the therapist believes that the patient's problems stem from something else, rather than ADHD. Some people find it harder to receive a correct diagnosis due to the prejudices held by some health experts. This is especially true if you are someone of color or a woman born or do not speak English natively. The NHS is doing its best to address this problem. Assessment If you are concerned that you might have ADHD you should seek an evaluation from a health care professional who is experienced in conducting these assessments. You can ask your doctor for a recommendation or check with local hospitals affiliated with universities or medical schools to determine the professionals who are certified to conduct an ADHD evaluation for adults. You may also ask the local ADHD support group for an appointment. The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the number, severity and duration of the symptoms in certain areas of life. This could include school, work and relationships. You may experience problems in the form of underachieving in your education or at work or in difficulty in maintaining and forming relationships, and being unorganized or disorganised. It is essential to talk about these problems 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 consultants psychiatrists. However, in order to provide a formally recognised diagnosis of ADHD it must be performed by a qualified Psychiatrist, or Prescriber Certified Specialist Nurse. Only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication for ADHD. private adhd assessments are usually questioned during an ADHD assessment and it is essential to bring someone from your family to offer support or to show evidence. It is important to write down your symptoms, and how they affect your life. The doctor will ask questions to gather details about your past and how you are doing. They will also examine your body to determine if you have any medical conditions which could be causing symptoms of ADHD. You can also get an adult adhd diagnosis through the NHS however, it could take an extended time due to the clogged NHS waiting lists. Some people prefer paying out of pocket for a private treatment and assessment through the “Right to Choose” route is simpler. However it is essential to be aware that the quality of care offered by private practitioners varies widely and it is vital to select your provider with care. 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 right medication and the assistance you require to manage your symptoms. There are many private providers that offer this service. If you decide to choose one of them, it is essential to research the reputation of the psychiatrist, their education and experience dealing neurodevelopmental disorders. A lot of public figures have been open about their struggles with ADHD in recent months. For instance, Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins was diagnosed in her 50s, and claimed that her diagnosis “made everything make sense”. NHS waiting lists are overcrowded despite the increasing awareness. In order to avoid this, GPs often hesitate to refer their patients to specialist services in order to obtain an individual ADHD diagnosis. This is due to the fact that they do not have the time or resources and, in certain instances they may not be able to locate a doctor who is skilled in neurodevelopmental disorders. In certain areas, NHS personnel may be required to address other needs like mental health assessments. Some people also believe that private companies offering ADHD assessments are unable to accurately diagnose adults with the condition. This could have devastating effects for some. The BBC Panorama programme raised this issue and there is a real need to improve access to specialist ADHD assessments. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD and you've been diagnosed, you can treat it by combining treatment for behavioural disorders and medications. Stimulant drugs such as amphetamine or methylphenidate can be used to improve focus and productivity, while non-stimulants with a slower onset like atomoxetine are effective in improving the ability to concentrate and control impulses. Some patients only choose treatment for behavioural issues and do not require medication. Priory can put together a post-diagnostic care package for patients who require medication. This includes a detailed medical report, as well as a titration for the final dosage, which can be shared with your GP. Post-diagnostic care A diagnosis of ADHD can result in significant financial and human cost. It is important to provide a psychiatric examination and treatment program for all adults with ADHD. This should include medication, psychological and practical assistance and family therapy where appropriate. This should also extend to family and workplace education about 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 should bring a list of their symptoms as well as any other mental health concerns they may have to their first appointment. This appointment will review the patient's medical and mental health history as well as their family history. It will also examine how the ADHD symptoms impact the patient's daily life and relationships. During this procedure, the doctor will verify that the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptom must be present in two settings of the person's life (either home or work). It must interfere with their normal functioning and cause distress or impairment. This may be in the form of difficulties in keeping a job, trouble in marriage, or having to deal with financial issues, difficulties at school or in their overall quality of life. There are a variety of professionals who perform an assessment for ADHD such as Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Psychologists are educated in the functioning of the brain, but they are not able to prescribe medication. They are able to provide advice. Psychiatrists are fully qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD and offer medication if needed. If the Psychiatrist determines that the patient with ADHD requires medication they will write a prescription and supply it to the local pharmacy. This is done under the supervision of the psychiatrist and must be completed within three months of the private assessment to ensure that the individual is able to be adjusted to their final dosage of medication. If the GP agrees to continue NHS prescribing following the private ADHD assessment The Psychiatrist will provide them with a comprehensive report and treatment recommendations and will draft an Shared Care Agreement with the GP.