ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated condition. It can affect anyone from childhood to adulthood.
With NHS service waiting times at an record high, a few people are opting to pay for private ADHD assessments and medications. The recent BBC Panorama documentary has highlighted concerns that certain services aren't up to scratch.
What is ADHD?
An ADHD diagnosis is a medical evaluation by your psychiatrist based on your development background, behavioural patterns and signs. To make a diagnosis they'll ask you to complete a variety of questionnaires and interview you to build up a clinical picture. Some of these are standardised questionnaires that all psychiatrists use and others are specific to them, so every clinic and psychiatrist has their own preferred test and questions they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist will also want to review your family, medical and psychiatric history along with your current symptoms. They'll usually inquire about how your symptoms impact your daily life at home, work and in other locations. They will then assess whether 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).
To be considered to have ADHD your symptoms must be present in two or more settings (home, school and/or social situations) and significantly hinder your ability to perform. Your symptoms must have been present for a long period of time and began before turning 12 years old. 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 try to determine how your symptoms are affecting your life at the moment and if they have been present since childhood. They will also assess if there are other conditions that could explain your symptoms, for instance a sleep disorder or anxiety or depression.
It is important to keep in mind that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD don't have a good memory of their childhoods, particularly when it was a difficult one. This makes it difficult for them to identify ADHD symptoms in the present. Your psychiatrist might need to interview your family members like your spouse or partner to collect more details about your childhood.
You can find a healthcare professional who specialises 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 calling a mental health clinic. You can also talk to an online support group for those with ADHD and request suggestions.
Why do I need be evaluated for ADHD?
Before you begin any treatment, it is crucial to get a full diagnosis if you suspect that you might have ADHD. Only a doctor can determine the diagnosis of ADHD after a thorough examination. Having undiagnosed ADHD can cause serious problems with work, relationships and wellbeing.
If your GP is aware that you believe you suffer from ADHD symptoms, they'll take your concerns seriously and request more information about your past and present. They'll likely recommend an NHS screening test that consists of an interview with a clinician as well as the completion of a number of validated ADHD scales.
You will also be asked to fill out questionnaires with those who are familiar with you, like your family or close friends. This helps the healthcare professional to get an understanding of your behaviour, and how it impacts others. A person with high IQ may have developed strategies to deal with the symptoms of ADHD. For example they may utilize technology to keep track their appointments, but a spouse can tell if they are having trouble remembering things.
Private healthcare professionals aren't allowed to bend the rules since they pay for their 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.
Having an ADHD assessment will help you understand the root of your issues and how best to deal with these issues, while also getting you on the right path by taking medication. If you decide to start treatment, make sure that you have your GP sign a shared care agreement with your private physician (so that you only pay for the NHS prescription fee) to keep track of your progress and give guidance regarding any changes. This will ensure that you receive the most efficient and appropriate therapy for your particular requirements. If you're interested in having an ADHD assessment, contact one of read more our brain and mental experts at the Priory hospital or wellness centre today.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
ADHD symptoms can vary between individuals and their manifestations can change with the passage of time. This is why a reliable diagnosis can be hard to get, especially for adults, despite numerous GPs taking their concerns seriously. It is also why some people have a harder time 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 to find an employment opportunity or their relationship may be affected. Adults who aren't diagnosed are at a greater risk of serious problems like mood disorders and addiction. Adults who aren't diagnosed may suffer from extreme sadness or anxiety, and may eventually accept the fact that they are not able to have the motivation and success they could have achieved if they had been diagnosed and treated.
The good news is that if have struggled with your ADHD it is possible to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment. It is crucial to select a doctor if you decide to have your assessment done in private. Get recommendations from family and friends and conduct your own research prior to you make any decisions. Examine their qualifications and credentials and ask former clients and patients about their experiences.
A properly trained specialist can utilize a variety tools to help diagnose ADHD, including interviews, questionnaires, medical exams, and behavioral observations. The primary goal is to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms, like a learning disability or emotional issues, which can be difficult to differentiate from ADHD.
During an ADHD evaluation, the specialist may interview you or your partner to discuss the symptoms and how they impact your life. They might also use an DSM-5 symptom checklist and other psychometric tests to measure the severity of your symptoms. Stimulant medications improve ADHD symptoms in about 70% of adults and children and has been used to treat ADHD since 1937. It is a viable treatment since it can have a very positive effect on mood and help stabilize the brain's functioning.
How do I get an assessment of ADHD?
To diagnose ADHD, a healthcare professional needs to interview you or your child. They will ask you or your child questions 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'll also need to be aware of whether your child's symptoms have existed since childhood and whether they have affected their daily functioning.
They should also know if your or your child's symptoms may be related to any other mental health problems like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. About 80% of those who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring mental health problems, so it is important to rule these out.
A private healthcare provider may also ask for your permission to speak with family members as well as teachers, friends as well as religious leaders, scout leaders or coaches. They will want to know how your or your child's behavior impacts them and their daily functioning They will also be asked about any past history of trauma or abuse.
If they do not consider a diagnosis of ADHD to be appropriate then the healthcare professional will explain the reason. It could be due to the fact that they do not consider the symptoms to be severe enough, or that they are better explained by a different condition.
A referral from your family physician is a great suggestion to get an ADHD assessment. If you don't have a family physician or a psychiatrist, you can ask your insurance company for recommendations or join a local support group for mental health.
Once you have made an appointment to have an ADHD evaluation, be sure to bring any relevant medical, psychological and education or employment records with you. The health care specialist will likely request an entire family and social history. He will also conduct a physical examination.
After having reviewed all the information that the health professional has reviewed, they will be able determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD. If necessary, they will suggest medication or other treatments. If you intend to use the NHS prescription services for your medication, make sure you check with them first to make sure they'll accept a private diagnosis of ADHD that has been certified by the NHS.