ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex condition that can be difficult to manage. It can affect anyone from childhood to adulthood.
With NHS service waiting times at an record high, a few people are opting to pay for private ADHD assessments and medication. The BBC Panorama documentary of the past week highlighted concerns that some of these services weren't up to par.
What is ADHD?
Your psychiatrist will issue an assessment of ADHD based on the symptoms, your developmental history and your behavioural tendencies. To diagnose you, they'll ask you complete a variety of questionnaires and interview you to establish a clinical picture. Some of these are standardised questionnaires that psychiatrists all use and some are unique to them, which means that each clinic and psychiatrist has their own preferred test and questions they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist will also need to review your family medical and psychiatric history, as well as your current symptoms. They'll often ask you about how your symptoms impact you at work, home and in other locations. They will then determine whether your symptoms are consistent with the clinical guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5DSM).
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must be evident in more than one setting (home, school and/or social situations) and significantly hinder your ability to perform. The symptoms must have begun before you reached the age of 12 old, and they should be present over a long period of time. In addition, you must meet the criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations of ADHD to get a diagnosis.
During the consultation your psychiatrist will attempt to determine how your symptoms are affecting your life right now and if they've been present since childhood. They will also determine if there are other conditions that could explain your symptoms, such as a sleep disorder or anxiety or depression.
It is important to remember that many adults with ADHD have poor memories of their childhood experiences, especially if they had an uneasy childhood. This can affect their ability to identify the presence of ADHD symptoms in their current lives and it is sometimes important for your therapist to interview a significant other, such as your spouse or partner to help gather additional information about your childhood.
You can locate a healthcare professional who specialises in ADHD evaluations by asking your primary care physician for a referral, or consulting with the staff at a hospital affiliated with a university or contacting a mental health clinic. You can also contact a support group for people who suffer from ADHD and ask for recommendations.
Why do I need to be assessed for ADHD?
If you suspect you may have ADHD or other disorders, it's essential to get a full diagnosis before starting any treatment. It's impossible to determine ADHD by taking an online test or questionnaire - only an expert in health care can conduct an exhaustive assessment and come up with an accurate diagnosis. Having undiagnosed ADHD can cause major issues with relationships, work and well-being.
If your GP is aware that you think you have symptoms of ADHD, they will be attentive and will ask for specifics of your history and life. They may recommend you to an NHS screening test that consists of an interview with a psychiatrist as well as the completion of several valid ADHD scales.
You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires with those who know you, such as your close family members or friends. This will help your healthcare professional to get an overall picture of your behaviour and see how it impacts others. For instance, someone who has a high IQ might have developed coping strategies to deal with their symptoms of ADHD for example, using technology to track appointments however, their spouse may be able to discern that they're having trouble remembering things.
A private healthcare professional will not be able to bend the rules because you pay for their assessment, and they must adhere to National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when conducting an assessment for ADHD. However, the process may be quicker than waiting for an appointment with the NHS.
Having an ADHD assessment will help you understand the root of your problems and how best to tackle these issues, while also getting you on the right track with your medication. If more info you decide to begin treatment, you must get your GP sign a shared-care agreement with your private doctor (so that you only pay for the NHS prescription fee) so that they can keep track of your progress and give advice on any changes. This will help ensure that you're receiving the most appropriate and effective treatment for your needs. Speak to one of Priory's brain or mind experts today if you're interested in receiving an ADHD assessment.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment?
ADHD symptoms can vary from individual to individual and the manner in which they manifest may change with time. This is the reason why a precise diagnosis is difficult to get, especially for adults, despite a lot of GPs taking their concerns seriously. It is also why some people find it harder than others to access NHS services. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and it can take years before someone who wants to be assessed is able to get an assessment.
A person may not be able to find work or their relationship may suffer. Adults who have not been diagnosed are at a higher chance of having serious issues like mood disorders or substance abuse. Adults who aren't diagnosed may suffer from extreme sadness or anxiety, and may be forced to accept a life without the drive and success they would have enjoyed if they were diagnosed and treated.
It is possible to receive an accurate diagnosis for ADHD. If you decide to visit a private doctor for your assessment it is essential to select your doctor carefully. Do your research and request recommendations from your family and friends before making any decisions. Make sure they are qualified and credentials, and talk to former clients or patients about their experiences with them.
A qualified specialist can use a variety of tools to diagnose ADHD such as interviews, questionnaires medical examinations, observation of behavior. The primary objective of the diagnosis is to rule out other reasons, like learning disabilities or emotional issues that are difficult to distinguish from ADHD.
In an ADHD assessment, the expert will interview you or your partner to discuss the symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also utilize the DSM-5 symptom checklist and other psychometric tests to measure the severity of your symptoms. Stimulant medication improves ADHD symptoms in about 70 percent of children and adults, and it has been used to treat ADHD since 1937. It is an extremely efficient treatment since it has a positive effect on mood and can stabilise brain functioning.
How do I obtain an ADHD diagnosis?
To diagnose ADHD, a healthcare professional needs to interview you or your child. They will ask questions about your or your child's behavior in various settings, such as at home and in school. They may also use rating scales to help identify symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. They should be aware of whether your symptoms or those of your child have been present from childhood and if these symptoms have affected your daily functioning.
They'll also want to determine if your child's symptoms are related to other mental health conditions like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. About 80percent of ADHD sufferers have co-occurring disorders. It's essential to rule them out.
A private healthcare professional can also request permission to interview your family members, teachers, friends, religious leaders, scout coach, or scout leaders from scouts. They will want to know how your child's behavior affects them and their daily routine and will be asked about any history of trauma or abuse.
The healthcare professional will explain why they don't believe a diagnosis of ADHD is appropriate. It could be due to the fact that they don't believe that the symptoms are severe enough, or that they are more easily explained by a different condition.
It is a good idea to ask your family physician for an ADHD evaluation. If you don't have a family physician or a psychiatrist, you can ask your insurance company or a local mental health support group for recommendations.
Once you have made an appointment for an ADHD assessment, be sure to bring any relevant medical, psychological, education or employment documents with you. The health professional will likely ask for an entire family and social history. They will also conduct a physical examination.
After the health professional has reviewed all of the information, they will be in a position to determine whether or not you or your child has ADHD. If needed, they'll recommend medication or other treatment. If you are planning to use NHS prescription services to get your medication, consult with them first to make sure they'll accept a personal diagnosis of ADHD that has been approved by the NHS.