ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex condition that can be difficult to manage. It can be present from childhood through to adulthood.
Some people pay privately for ADHD tests and medication due to the fact that NHS wait times are at an all-time high. The recent BBC Panorama documentary has highlighted concerns that some of these services are not adequate.
What is ADHD?
An ADHD diagnosis is a medical evaluation by your psychiatrist based on your developmental history, behavioural tendencies and signs. To diagnose you they'll ask you to fill out several questionnaires and interview you to build up a clinical picture. Some of these are common questionnaires that all psychiatrists use and some are unique to their particular area, which is why each clinic and psychiatrist has their own preferred set of tests and questions they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist will also review your family history, medical and mental health history, and your current symptoms. They'll usually ask you about how your symptoms affect your daily life at home, work and other places. They will then determine if your symptoms are in line with the clinical guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, your symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings (home, school and/or social situations) and significantly affect your ability to perform. Your symptoms should have begun before you reached the age of 12 old, and they must 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 appointment, your psychiatrist will determine whether your symptoms were present from childhood and how they are affecting you now. They will also look into whether you have other conditions that might be causing your symptoms, for instance anxiety, sleep disorders or depression.
It is important to remember that many adults with ADHD don't have a good memory of their childhoods, particularly when it was a difficult one. This could affect their ability to identify the presence of ADHD symptoms in their lives today and it may be necessary for your psychiatrist to talk to a significant person, such as your spouse or partner to collect additional details about your childhood.
ASKING your primary care physician for a referral or consulting 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 ask for recommendations from a support group of people with ADHD.
Why do I need to be tested for ADHD?
If you suspect you may have ADHD or other disorders, it's essential to have a complete diagnosis prior to beginning any treatment. Only a doctor can diagnose ADHD after a thorough assessment. If it is not diagnosed, ADHD can cause serious problems at work, in relationships, and even with your health.
If your GP is aware that you you may have symptoms of ADHD, they will consider you a serious patient and request details of your history and life. They'll likely refer you for an NHS screening test that will comprise a clinical interview and the completion of a variety of valid ADHD evaluation scales.
You'll be required to fill out questionnaires with others who know you well, such as family members or close friends. This will help your healthcare professional to get a more holistic picture of your behaviour and see how it affects other people. A person with an IQ that is high IQ might have developed strategies to compensate for the symptoms of ADHD. For example they may utilize technology to their appointments, but a spouse can tell if they're having difficulty remembering things.
Private healthcare professionals aren't allowed to bend 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 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 path with your medication. If you do decide to seek treatment, it's a good idea to get your GP agree to an agreement of shared care with your private physician (so you only pay for the NHS prescription charge) to ensure that they can monitor your progress and offer advice on any changes. This will ensure that you receive the most effective and appropriate therapy for your specific needs. Speak to one of Priory's brain or mind experts today if you are interested in obtaining an ADHD assessment.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
ADHD symptoms are very different from person to person, and the way they manifest may change with time. This is the reason why a precise diagnosis can be hard to obtain, especially for adults, despite many GPs taking their concerns seriously. This is why some people have a harder time accessing NHS services in comparison to others. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long, and sometimes it takes several years before someone wanting to be evaluated can get an assessment.
A person might not be able find an employment opportunity or their relationship could be affected. Undiagnosed adults are at higher risk of serious health issues like addiction and mood disorders. Adults who aren't diagnosed may suffer from extreme sadness or anxiety and may be forced to accept their lives without the motivation and achievement they would have enjoyed here if they had been diagnosed and treated.
It is possible to get an accurate diagnosis for ADHD. If you decide to visit a private doctor for an evaluation it is essential to choose carefully. Ask for recommendations from relatives and friends, and make sure to do your research before you make any choices. Verify their credentials and qualifications and ask previous clients and patients about their experiences.
A specialist with the proper experience can employ a variety of tools to diagnose ADHD. These include interviews, questionnaires, and medical exams. The goal is to rule out any other causes of the symptoms, for instance an emotional or learning disability. issues, which are difficult to differentiate from ADHD.
During an ADHD assessment the expert will interview you, your partner or family members to discuss your symptoms and their impact on your life. The specialist may also use a DSM-5 checklist of symptoms and other psychometric tests to assess the severity of your symptoms. The stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. It has been in use since 1937. It can be an effective treatment as it has the potential to have a very positive effect on mood and help stabilize the brain's function.
How do I get an ADHD diagnosis?
A healthcare professional will interview you or your children to diagnose ADHD. They will ask you or your child questions regarding 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 should determine if your symptoms or those of your child are present since childhood and whether these symptoms have affected your daily functioning.
They'll also want to determine if your child's symptoms are linked to any other mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Around 80% of people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring mental health problems It is therefore crucial to rule them out.
A private health care provider could also ask your permission to interview family members, friends, teachers, religious and scout leaders or coaches. They'll need to know how your child's behavior affects them and their daily routine and will be asked about any past history of trauma or abuse.
The healthcare professional will explain the reason they don't believe a diagnosis of ADHD is appropriate. The reason could be that they don't think the symptoms are serious enough or they believe that they could be caused by another disorder.
It is recommended to get a referral from your family doctor for an ADHD assessment. If you don't have a family physician or a psychiatrist, you can ask your insurance provider for recommendations or join a local mental support group.
If you've made an appointment for an ADHD assessment, make sure to bring any relevant medical, psychological and education or employment records with you. The health care professional will likely ask for an entire family and social history and will also conduct a physical exam.
After having reviewed all the information that the health professional has reviewed, they will be able to determine whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD. If necessary, they will recommend medication or a different treatment. If you are planning to use the NHS prescription service for your medication, it's important to first check with them to determine if they accept a private diagnosis from an NHS-accredited clinic of ADHD.