ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a tangled condition that is complex. It can be present from childhood to the age of adulthood.
Some people choose to pay privately for ADHD assessments and medications because NHS wait times are at an all-time high. The recent BBC Panorama documentary has highlighted concerns that some of these services are not up to scratch.
What is an ADHD diagnosis?
Your psychiatrist will issue a clinical diagnosis of ADHD in light of the symptoms that you have, your history of development and your behavioural tendencies. They will ask you to complete several questionnaires, and then interview you in order to build a clinical picture. Some of these questionnaires are common and used by all psychiatrists, while others are specific to each psychiatrist. Each psychiatrist and clinic will have their particular set of questions and tests they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist will also need to examine your family medical and psychiatric histories and your current symptoms. In most cases, they will ask you about the way your symptoms affect you at home, work and in other situations. They will then determine if 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 your symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings (home or at school, as well as social situations) and significantly hinder your ability to perform. Your symptoms must have started before you reached the age of 12 old, and they must be present for 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 the psychiatrist will attempt to determine how your symptoms are affecting your life right now and if they have been present since childhood. They will also determine if you suffer from other illnesses that might be causing your symptoms, for instance anxiety, sleep disorders or depression.
It is important to keep in mind that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD don't have a clear picture of their childhood, particularly if it was a difficult one. This could affect their ability to detect the presence of ADHD symptoms in their lives at the moment and sometimes it is necessary for your psychiatrist to talk to a significant person, such as a spouse or partner, to collect additional details about your childhood.
Contacting your primary physician for a referral or consulting the staff of a local university hospital, or calling a mental clinic can help you find an expert in healthcare who specializes in ADHD evaluations. You can also talk to an online support group for those with ADHD and ask for recommendations.
Why should I be evaluated for ADHD?
Before beginning any treatment, it's essential to obtain a thorough diagnosis if you think you might have ADHD. It's impossible to determine ADHD by taking an online test or questionnaire - only a health professional can conduct an exhaustive assessment and come up with a clear diagnosis. If you don't recognize it, ADHD can cause serious problems in the workplace, with relationships, and also with your overall wellbeing.
If your GP is aware that you think you might be suffering from ADHD They will take you seriously and request details of your past and present. They may refer you to an NHS screening test that includes an interview with a psychiatrist as well as the submission of a variety of valid ADHD scales.
You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires with those who know you, for example, your close family members or friends. This will help the healthcare professional to get an overall picture of your behavior and how it impacts others. For example, a person who has a high IQ may have developed strategies to deal with their symptoms of ADHD for example, using technology to track appointments and appointments, but their spouse might be able to tell they're struggling to remember things.
Private healthcare professionals aren't allowed to stray from the rules simply because they pay for their assessment. They must still follow the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for ADHD assessments. The process is often quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment.
An ADHD assessment can help to determine the root cause of the problem and the best method to address it. It can also put you on the right path through treatment. If you decide to begin treatment, you should have 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 treatment for your specific needs. If you're interested in getting an ADHD assessment, contact one of our brain and mind specialists at a Priory health center or hospital today.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
ADHD symptoms can differ from person to person, and their manifestations can also change over time. This is why an accurate diagnosis is difficult to obtain, especially for adults, despite numerous GPs taking their concerns seriously. This is why some people have a difficult time accessing NHS services in comparison to others. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long, and at times it takes several years before someone wanting to be evaluated is able to get an assessment.
A person may not be able find a job or their relationship may suffer. Adults who aren't diagnosed are at a higher risk of developing serious illnesses like mood disorders or substance abuse. They can feel a sense of extreme sadness or an anxiety, and be tempted to settle for living a life without the drive and success that 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 the right diagnosis and treatment. If you decide to visit an individual specialist to get an assessment it is essential to choose carefully. Do your research and ask for recommendations from your friends and family before making any decision. Examine their qualifications and credentials and ask former clients and patients about their experiences.
A trained professional can employ a variety of tools to help identify ADHD using questionnaires, interviews, medical exams, and behavioral observations. The main objective is to rule out other reasons for the symptoms, like a learning disability or emotional issues, which can be difficult to differentiate from ADHD.
During an ADHD assessment the expert will interview you, possibly with your family members or friends to discuss your symptoms and their impact on your life. They might also use a DSM-5 checklist of symptoms as well as other psychometric tests to determine the severity of your symptoms. Stimulant medication can improve ADHD symptoms in approximately 70 percent of both children and adults, and it has been used to treat ADHD since 1937. It can be an extremely effective treatment as it can have an extremely positive effect on mood, and can stabilise brain functioning.
How can I get an ADHD diagnosis?
A medical professional will interview your child or you to determine if they have ADHD. They will ask you or your child private psychiatrist adhd assessment about their behavior in different settings like at school and at home. They may also use rating scales to help identify symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. They'll also need to determine if your child's symptoms have been evident since childhood, and if they have affected daily functioning.
They'll also want to be aware of whether your child's symptoms are linked to other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Around 80% of people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring mental health problems, so it is important to rule out these conditions.
A private healthcare professional may also ask your permission to speak with family members or friends, teachers or scout leaders. They may also interview religious coaches or leaders. They will inquire about how your or your child's behavior affects his or her daily life and ask whether there is a previous history of trauma or abuse.
If they don't consider a diagnosis of ADHD to be appropriate then 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 they can be explained by another disorder.
It is a good idea to seek a referral from your family doctor to undergo an ADHD evaluation. If you don't have a family doctor you can contact your insurance provider for recommendations or join a local mental support group.
After you have scheduled an appointment for an ADHD evaluation, be sure to bring any relevant medical, psychological and educational or employment records with you. The health professional will likely want to know your a complete family and social history. He will also conduct a physical exam.
After the health professional has reviewed all of the data, they will be able to determine whether or whether your child or you is suffering from ADHD. They will then suggest treatment, such as medication, if needed. If you plan to use NHS prescription services for your medication, check with them first to make sure they'll accept a private diagnosis of ADHD that has been approved by the NHS.