ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex disorder that is extremely complex. It can be present from childhood through to adulthood.
With NHS service wait times at a ever-increasing rate, some people are choosing 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 par.
What is an ADHD diagnosis?
An ADHD diagnosis is a medical assessment by your psychiatrist based upon your developmental behavior, history, and signs. To determine a diagnosis they'll ask you complete several questionnaires and conduct an interview to create a more detailed picture. Certain of these questionnaires are standardised and used by all psychiatrists, whereas others are specific to each psychiatrist. Each clinic and psychiatrist will have their own set of tests and questions they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist will also examine your family history, medical and mental health history, and your current symptoms. Most often, they'll inquire about the way your symptoms affect you at home, work and in other situations. Then, they will assess whether your symptoms are in line with the guidelines for treating mental illness established by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5DSM).
To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be evident in two or more settings (home or school, and/or social situations) and significantly hinder your ability to function. Your symptoms should 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 interview your psychiatrist will determine if your symptoms have been present since childhood and how they are affecting you now. They will also look into whether you suffer from other illnesses that might be causing your symptoms, for instance anxiety or sleep disorders or depression.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD have a poor memory of their childhood experiences, especially when they have had an unhappy childhood. This can affect their ability to identify the presence of ADHD symptoms in their lives today and it is sometimes necessary for your psychiatrist to talk to a significant person like your spouse or partner to gather more information about your childhood.
Asking your primary care doctor for a referral, or speaking with the staff at a local hospital of a university or a mental clinic can help you find a healthcare professional that specializes in ADHD assessments. You can also talk to a support group for people with ADHD and ask for suggestions.
Why do I require an ADHD assessment?
Before you begin any treatment, it's important to get a complete diagnosis if you suspect that you may have ADHD. It's impossible to determine ADHD by taking an online test or questionnaire - only a health professional can carry out an extensive assessment and provide an accurate diagnosis. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to serious issues in the workplace, with relationships, and even with your health.
If your GP is aware that you believe you may have ADHD symptoms, they will be attentive and ask you for more information about your life and past. They'll likely refer you to an NHS screening test, which will include a clinical interview and the submission of a number of valid ADHD evaluation scales.
You may also be asked to complete questionnaires with people who know you, for example, your close family members or friends. This will help your healthcare professional gain an understanding of your behaviour and see how it affects others. For example, a person with high IQ might have developed coping strategies to deal with their symptoms of ADHD, such as using technology to track appointments and appointments, but their spouse might be able to discern that they are struggling to remember things.
A private healthcare professional will not be able to bend the rules because you're paying for your evaluation, and they must still adhere to National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when conducting an assessment for ADHD. The process can be faster than waiting for an NHS appointment.
Having an ADHD assessment can help you identify the root of your issues and how best to address them, as well as getting you on the right path by taking medication. If you decide to begin treatment, you must get your GP sign a shared care agreement with your private doctor (so that you pay only for the NHS prescription fee) to follow your progress and offer guidance regarding any changes. This will help ensure that you're receiving the most effective and efficient therapy for your needs. Speak to one of Priory's brain and mind experts today if you are interested in obtaining an ADHD assessment.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
ADHD symptoms can vary from person to person, and the way they manifest may change with time. It is due to this that a reliable diagnosis, particularly for adults, can be difficult to obtain, despite the fact that many GPs take their concerns seriously. This is the reason why some people have a harder time accessing NHS services in comparison to others. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and it can take years to evaluate a patient.
In the meantime, one may not be able find a job or relationships may suffer. Adults who are not diagnosed are at a greater risk for serious problems such as mood disorders and substance abuse. Undiagnosed adults can suffer from extreme sadness or anxiety, and may eventually accept their lives without the motivation and success they could have achieved when they were diagnosed and treated.
The good news is that if have struggled with your ADHD it is possible to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. It is essential to be careful when you select a doctor if you choose to get your test privately. Do your research and ask for recommendations from family and friends before making any decision. Check their qualifications and credentials and inquire from previous clients and patients about their experience.
A properly trained specialist can employ a variety of tools to identify ADHD, including questionnaires, interviews and medical tests, as well as behavioural observations. The primary goal of the diagnosis is to rule out possible reasons, like emotional problems or learning disabilities, which are difficult to differentiate from ADHD.
During an ADHD assessment the specialist will talk to you and perhaps your spouse or family members to discuss your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. They might also use the DSM-5 checklist of symptoms and other psychometric tests to determine the severity of your symptoms. Stimulant medications improve ADHD symptoms in about 70 percent of both children and adults and has been used to treat ADHD since 1937. It can be an effective treatment as it has the potential to have a positive impact on mood and can stabilise the brain's functioning.
How can I get an ADHD diagnosis?
A healthcare professional will interview you or your children to determine the cause of ADHD. They will ask you or your child about their behavior in different situations like at school and at home. They may also use rating scales to help identify symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. They will also need to know whether your or your child's symptoms have been evident since childhood and whether they have affected daily functioning.
They'll also want to be aware of whether your child's symptoms are linked to other mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. About 80% of those suffering from ADHD have co-occurring mental health problems and it is crucial to rule these out.
A private health care provider may also ask for permission to speak with your family members, teachers, friends, and religious leaders, scout coaches or Scout leaders from scouts. They will ask about how your or your child's behavior affects their daily life and inquire if there any past previous history of trauma or abuse.
If they don't consider the diagnosis of ADHD to be appropriate, the healthcare expert will explain why. The reason could be that they don't believe that the symptoms are severe enough or that they believe that they could be caused by another disorder.
A recommendation from your family physician is a great option for 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 recommendations.
If you've made an appointment to have an ADHD assessment, be sure to bring any relevant medical, psychological or education check here or employment documents with you. The health professional will likely want to know your a complete family and social history and will also conduct a physical examination.
After the health care professional has reviewed all of the data, they will be in a position to determine whether or whether your child or you is suffering from ADHD. If needed, they'll recommend medication or a different treatment. If you're planning to use the NHS prescription service to get your medication, it is important to first check with them to see if they will accept a private diagnosis that is NHS-accredited of ADHD.