ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated condition. It can be a problem for people from childhood into adulthood.
Some people opt to pay privately for ADHD assessments and medication due to the fact that NHS wait times are at an all-time high. The recent documentary by BBC Panorama revealed that some of these services weren't up to standards.
What is an ADHD diagnosis?
Your psychiatrist will make an assessment of ADHD in light of the symptoms that you have, your history of development and your behavioural tendencies. To determine a diagnosis, they'll ask you complete several questionnaires and interview you to build up a clinical picture. Certain of these questionnaires are standardised and are used by all psychiatrists, and others are tailored to each psychiatrist. Each clinic and psychiatrist will have their own set of questions and tests they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist will also examine your family history as well as your medical and mental health history, and your current symptoms. Most often, they'll inquire about the way your symptoms affect your work, home, and in other environments. They will then assess whether your symptoms match the guidelines for treating mental illness set by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
To be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must be present in at least two different settings (home or school, and/or social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. Your symptoms should have begun before the age of 12 years old, and 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 try to determine whether your symptoms were present since childhood and how they are affecting you at the moment. They will also determine if there are other circumstances that might be responsible for your symptoms. For instance sleep disorders depression, anxiety or sleep disorder.
It is important to keep in mind that many people with ADHD do not have a clear picture of their childhood, particularly if it was a difficult one. This makes it difficult for them to recognize ADHD symptoms in the present. Your psychiatrist may need to speak with someone close to you, such as your spouse or partner, in order to gather more information about your childhood.
ASKING your primary care physician for a referral, or speaking with the staff at a local hospital of a university or calling an office for mental health can help you find the right healthcare professional who is specialized in ADHD evaluations. You can also seek recommendations from a support group of people suffering from ADHD.
Why do I need be assessed for ADHD?
If you think you might have ADHD, it's crucial to establish a thorough diagnosis before starting any treatment. Only a healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD after a thorough examination. If you don't recognize it, ADHD can lead to serious problems with work, relationships and wellbeing.
If your GP is aware that you you might be suffering from ADHD, they will be attentive and request details of your life and history. They'll likely refer you to an NHS screening assessment which will consist of an interview with a psychiatrist and the submission of a number of validated ADHD evaluation scales.
You'll be required to fill out questionnaires with others who are familiar with you such as family members or close friends. This will help the healthcare professional gain an overall picture of your personality and how it affects others. A person with a high IQ may have developed strategies to deal with the symptoms of ADHD. For instance they may use technology to track their appointments, but a spouse can tell if they are having trouble remembering things.
A private healthcare professional will not be able to bend the rules just because you are paying for the evaluation, and they must adhere to National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when conducting an assessment for ADHD. However, the process may be faster than waiting for an appointment with the NHS.
A ADHD assessment will help you understand the root of your issues and the best to tackle them, as well as getting you on the right track by taking medication. If you decide to begin treatment, you should make your GP sign a shared care agreement with your private doctor (so that you only pay for the NHS prescription fee) to follow your progress and offer advice regarding any changes. This will ensure that you get the most effective and appropriate therapy for your specific needs. If you're interested in getting an ADHD assessment, talk to one of our brain and mind specialists at an Priory health center or hospital today.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
ADHD symptoms can differ between individuals and their manifestations can also change with time. This is why a reliable diagnosis can be difficult to get, especially for adults, despite numerous GPs taking their concerns seriously. It is also a reason why certain people are more difficult than others to access NHS services. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and it can take years for someone to get evaluated.
A person may not be able find a job or their relationship could be affected. Adults who aren't diagnosed are at a higher risk of developing serious illnesses like mood disorders or addiction to drugs. Adults who aren't diagnosed may suffer from extreme sadness or anxiety, and may begin to accept the fact that they are not able to have the motivation and success they could have had if they were diagnosed and treated.
It is possible to get a proper diagnosis for ADHD. It is essential to be careful when you select a doctor if you decide to have your assessment done privately. Do cost of private adhd assessment and ask for recommendations from family and friends prior to making any decisions. Verify their credentials and qualifications and ask previous clients and patients about their experiences.
A trained professional can utilize a variety tools to help identify ADHD such as interviews, questionnaires medical examinations, behavioural observations. The primary goal of the diagnosis is to rule out other reasons, like mental disorders or learning disabilities, which are difficult to differentiate from ADHD.
During an ADHD evaluation, a specialist will interview you or your partner to discuss your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also use a DSM-5 checklist of symptoms as well as other psychometric tests to gauge the severity of your symptoms. Stimulant medication can improve ADHD symptoms in about 70% of adults and children and has been used to treat ADHD since 1937. It is a viable treatment as it has the potential to have a positive impact on mood and can stabilise the brain's functioning.
How do I obtain an ADHD diagnosis?
To diagnose ADHD, a medical professional needs to interview you or your child. They will ask questions about you or your child's behavior across different environments, including at home and in school. They may also use rating scales to help identify symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. They'll also need to be aware of whether your child's symptoms have been present since childhood and if they have affected daily functioning.
They should also be aware of whether your child's symptoms are linked to other mental health issues like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Around 80% of people suffering from ADHD have co-occurring mental health issues, so it is important to rule them out.
A private healthcare provider may also ask your permission to talk with family members as well as teachers, friends, religious and scout leaders or coaches. They will want to know how your or your child's behavior affects them and their daily routine, and they will also be asked about any history of abuse or trauma.
The healthcare professional will explain the reason they don't believe the diagnosis of ADHD is appropriate. It could be because they do not consider the symptoms to be sufficient, or they are more easily explained by a different condition.
A referral from your family doctor is a great option for an ADHD assessment. If you don't have a family physician, you can contact your insurance provider or a local mental health support group to get recommendations.
If you've made an appointment for an ADHD evaluation, be sure to bring any relevant medical, psychological or education or employment documents with you. The health care professional might ask you for your complete social and family history and will conduct a physical examination.
After having reviewed all the information after which the health professional will be able to determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD. They will then suggest treatment options, including medication, if necessary. If you plan to use the NHS prescription service to get your medication, it's recommended to check with them first to see if they will accept a private diagnosis from an NHS-accredited clinic of ADHD.