ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex condition that can be difficult to manage. It can affect people from childhood right to the age of adulthood.
Some people choose to pay privately for ADHD assessments and medication because NHS wait times are at an all-time high. The recent BBC Panorama documentary has highlighted the fact that some of these services aren't up to scratch.
What is ADHD?
Your psychiatrist will issue an official diagnosis of ADHD in light of the symptoms, your developmental history and your behavioural tendencies. To diagnose you they will ask you to complete several questionnaires and interview you to build up 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 test and questions they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist will also review your family history, medical and mental health history, as well as your current symptoms. Most often, they'll ask you about the impact your symptoms have on you at work, at home and in other environments. They will then determine if your symptoms match the guidelines for clinical care established 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 school, home or in social situations) and severely impair your ability function. Your symptoms should have begun before you reached the age of 12 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 interview, your psychiatrist will also examine the extent to which your symptoms affect your life right now and if they've been present since childhood. 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 crucial to keep in mind that many adults with ADHD don't have a clear memory of their childhood, particularly if it was difficult. This makes it difficult for them to identify ADHD symptoms in the present. Your doctor may have to interview your family members like your spouse or partner to collect more details about your childhood.
You can find a health specialist who is specialized in ADHD evaluations by asking your primary care physician for a referral, consulting with the staff at a local hospital that is based on a university or contacting an office for mental health. You can also ask for recommendations from a group of people with ADHD.
Why do I need to be assessed for ADHD?
Before you begin any treatment, it's crucial to get a full diagnosis if you suspect you may have ADHD. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis of ADHD after a thorough assessment. If it is not diagnosed, ADHD can cause major issues in the workplace, with relationships and with your wellbeing.
If your GP is aware that you think you might be suffering from ADHD They'll consider you a serious patient and request details of your past and present. They'll likely refer you to an NHS screening assessment that will comprise a clinical interview and the completion of several validated ADHD evaluation scales.
You may also be asked to complete questionnaires with people who know you, for example, your family or close friends. This will help your healthcare professional gain an understanding of your personality and how it affects others. For instance, a person with a high IQ might have developed coping strategies to deal with their symptoms of ADHD for example, using technology to track appointments, but their spouse might be able to tell they're struggling to remember things.
Private healthcare professionals are not allowed to bend the rules since you pay for your assessment. They must nevertheless adhere to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for ADHD assessments. The process can be faster than waiting for an NHS appointment.
A ADHD assessment can help you to understand the root of your problems and how best to address them, as well as getting you on the right track by taking medication. If you decide to commence treatment, make sure that you 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 follow your progress and offer advice regarding any changes. This will ensure that you receive the most effective and appropriate therapy for your specific requirements. If you're interested to get an ADHD assessment, speak to one of our brain and mind experts at a Priory hospital or wellness centre today.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
ADHD symptoms can vary from person to person and the manner in which they manifest may change over time. It is because of this that an accurate diagnosis, particularly for adults, can be difficult to obtain, despite the fact that a lot of GPs take their concerns seriously. This is the reason why some people have a difficult time accessing NHS services in comparison to others. NHS waiting lists can be notoriously long, and it can take years before someone who needs to be assessed can receive an assessment.
A person might not be able to get an employment opportunity or their relationship could be affected. Adults who aren't diagnosed are at a greater risk of serious problems like addiction and mood disorders. Undiagnosed adults can suffer from extreme anxiety or sadness, and may be forced to accept their lives without the motivation and success they could have had if they had been diagnosed and treated.
The good news is that if you have struggled with your ADHD it is possible to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. It is crucial to choose a specialist when you decide to have your assessment done privately. Do your research and seek recommendations from your family and friends before making any decision. Check their qualifications and credentials and ask former clients and patients about their experience.
A properly trained specialist can use a variety of tools to help identify ADHD such as interviews, questionnaires, medical exams, and observation of behavior. The primary goal of the diagnosis is to rule out possible causes, like mental disorders or learning disabilities that are difficult to differentiate from ADHD.
During an ADHD assessment, the expert may interview you or your partner to discuss your issues and how they affect your life. They may also employ an DSM-5 symptom checklist and other psychometric tests to determine the severity of your symptoms. The stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. It has been around since 1937. It can be a very efficient treatment since it can have a highly positive effect on mood and can stabilise brain functioning.
How can I get an ADHD diagnosis?
A healthcare professional will conduct an interview with your child or you to determine if they have ADHD. They will ask questions about your or your child's behavior in different environments, including at home and at school. They may also use rating scales to help identify symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. They will need to know if your symptoms or those of your child were present website since childhood and if these symptoms have affected your daily functioning.
They will also want to determine if your child's symptoms are linked to other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. About 80% of those suffering from ADHD have co-occurring mental health problems and it is crucial to rule them out.
A private healthcare professional may also ask for your permission to speak with family members, friends, teachers as well as religious leaders, scout coaches or leaders. They will inquire about how your or your child's behavior affects their daily functioning and will also inquire if there any past previous history of trauma or abuse.
The healthcare professional will explain why they don't think the diagnosis of ADHD is appropriate. The reason could be that they don't believe that the symptoms are severe enough or that they believe they are caused by a different disorder.
A referral from your family physician is a great option for an ADHD assessment. If you don't have a family physician you can call your insurance company or a local mental health support group to get recommendations.
Once you have made an appointment for an ADHD assessment, make sure to bring any relevant medical, psychological, education or employment records with you. The health care professional might request your complete family and social histories and will conduct a physical examination.
After the health professional has reviewed all the information they will be capable of determining whether or whether your child or you is suffering from ADHD. If necessary, they will recommend medication or a different treatment. If you plan to use NHS prescription services for your medication, make sure you check with them first to confirm that they will accept a private diagnosis of ADHD that has been certified by the NHS.