ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated disorder that is extremely complex. It can affect anyone from childhood to adulthood.
With NHS service wait times at an ever-increasing rate, some people are opting to pay for private ADHD assessments and medication. The recent BBC Panorama documentary has highlighted concerns that some of these services aren't up to scratch.
What is an ADHD diagnosis?
An ADHD diagnosis is a medical assessment made by your psychiatrist based on your development background, behavioural patterns and signs. They will ask you to complete several questionnaires, and then interview you to build a clinical picture. Some of these are common questionnaires that psychiatrists all use and others are specific to them, so every clinic and psychiatrist has their own preferred set of tests and questions they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist will also need to examine your family medical and psychiatric histories, as well as your current symptoms. They'll often inquire about how your symptoms impact your work, home and other places. They will determine if your symptoms are in line with the guidelines for treating mental illness set by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Your symptoms must be present at least two times (at home, school or in social settings) and severely impair your ability function. The symptoms must have begun before the age of 12 years 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 also examine how your symptoms impact your life at the moment and if they have been present since the time of your childhood. They will also determine if there are other conditions that may explain your symptoms. For instance sleep disorders, anxiety or depression.
It is important to remember that many people with ADHD don't have a clear memory of their childhood, especially when it was a difficult one. This could affect their ability to detect the presence of ADHD symptoms in their current lives and sometimes it is important for your therapist to speak with a significant other, such as a spouse or partner, to help gather additional information about your childhood.
Contacting your primary physician to refer you to a specialist or the staff at a local hospital of a university or a mental clinic can help you find a healthcare professional that specializes in ADHD evaluations. You can also request suggestions from a support group of people suffering from ADHD.
Why should I be evaluated for ADHD?
If you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that you may have it, it is essential to establish a thorough diagnosis before beginning any treatment. It's impossible to determine ADHD through an online test or questionnaire. Only an expert in health care can conduct an extensive assessment and provide an accurate diagnosis. Having undiagnosed ADHD can lead to serious issues with relationships, work and wellbeing.
If your GP is aware that you think you may have symptoms of ADHD They will take you seriously and will ask for specifics of your history and life. They may recommend an NHS screening assessment that includes an interview with a clinician as well as the submission of a variety of valid ADHD scales.
You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires with people who are familiar with you, such as your close family members or friends. This will help the healthcare professional get an overall picture of your behavior and how it affects others. A person with a high IQ may have developed strategies to compensate for the symptoms of ADHD. For example they may utilize technology to keep track their appointments, but a spouse can tell if they're having trouble remembering things.
Private healthcare professionals are not allowed to bend the rules simply because they pay for the assessment. They must follow the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for ADHD assessments. The process can be faster than waiting for an NHS appointment.
An ADHD assessment can help determine the root cause of the problem and the best way to treat it. It can also help get you on the right path with treatment. If you decide to start treatment, it's a good idea to have your GP accept a shared care agreement with your private doctor (so you only pay for the NHS prescription charge) and they can monitor your progress and advise on any changes. This will ensure that you're receiving most effective and efficient therapy for your needs. Speak to one of Priory's brain and mental experts today if you are interested in obtaining an ADHD assessment.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
ADHD symptoms are very different from individual to individual and the way they manifest may change as time passes. This is the reason why a precise diagnosis can be hard to obtain, particularly for adults, despite many GPs taking their concerns seriously. This is also the reason why some people find it harder than others to access NHS services. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and it can take years for a person to be evaluated.
In the meantime, a person may not be able to find work, or their relationships might suffer. Adults who aren't diagnosed are at a greater risk of developing serious illnesses like mood disorders or substance abuse. They can be afflicted with extreme sadness or anxiety, and start to resign themselves to an existence that lacks the determination and success they could have had if they were diagnosed and treated.
The good news is that if struggled to deal with your ADHD, it is possible to get the right diagnosis and treatment. If you decide to go to a private doctor for your assessment it is essential to select your doctor carefully. Do your research and ask for recommendations from family and friends before making any decision. Verify their credentials and qualifications and inquire from previous clients and patients about their experiences.
A specialist with the right training can use a variety tools to diagnose ADHD. These include questionnaires, interviews and medical tests. The primary objective is to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms, for instance an emotional or learning disability. issues that can be difficult to distinguish from ADHD.
During an ADHD assessment the specialist will talk to you and perhaps your family members or friends to explore your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The specialist could also use a DSM-5 checklist of symptoms and other psychometric tests to determine the severity of your condition. The stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD in children and adults. It has been used since 1937. It is a viable treatment since it can have a positive impact on mood and can stabilise the brain's functioning.
How can I obtain a diagnosis of ADHD?
A healthcare professional will conduct an interview with you or your children to determine if they have ADHD. They will ask you or your child about their behavior in different situations, 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 have been present since childhood and if these symptoms have affected your daily life.
They'll also want to know if your or your child's symptoms may be related to other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Around 80% of people suffering from ADHD have co-occurring mental health problems and it is crucial to rule these out.
A private healthcare provider can also ask for permission to interview your family, teachers, friends, and religious leaders, scout coaches or scout leaders of scouts. They will want to know how your or your child's behavior affects them and their daily functioning and will be asked about any history of trauma or abuse.
The healthcare professional will explain why they do not believe that the diagnosis of ADHD is appropriate. It could be because they do not consider the symptoms to be severe enough, or that they are better explained by a different condition.
It is a good idea to get a referral from your family doctor to undergo an ADHD assessment. If you don't have a family physician, you can contact your insurance company or a local mental health support group for suggestions.
Bring any relevant records that are relevant, such as medical, read more psychological education, employment, and other, to your appointment. The health professional will likely ask for a complete family and social history. They will also conduct a physical examination.
Once the health care professional has reviewed all the information, they will be capable of determining whether or not you or your child is suffering from ADHD. If they are required, they will suggest medication or other treatments. If you are planning to use the NHS prescription services for your medication, check with them first to make sure they'll accept a private diagnosis of ADHD that has been accredited by the NHS.