ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a nagging disorder that is difficult to diagnose. It can be present from childhood through to adulthood.
Some people opt to pay privately for ADHD tests and medication due to the fact that NHS wait times are at an all-time high. BBC Panorama's recent documentary revealed that some of these services weren't up to par.
What is an ADHD diagnosis?
An ADHD diagnosis is a forensic assessment made by your psychiatrist based upon your developmental history, behavioural tendencies and symptoms. To determine a diagnosis they'll ask you to fill out several questionnaires and then interview you to establish a clinical picture. Certain of these questionnaires are common and are used by all psychiatrists, while others are specific to each psychiatrist. Each clinic and psychiatrist will have their particular list of questions and tests they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist will also review your family history as well as your medical and mental health history, as well as your current symptoms. In most cases, they will inquire about how your symptoms affect you at work, at home and in other settings. They will then determine if your symptoms meet 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 evident in two or more settings (home, school and/or social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms must have begun before the age of 12 years 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 if your symptoms have been present from childhood and how they are affecting you right now. They will also determine if there are any other factors that could be causing your symptoms. For example, a sleep disorder or depression, or anxiety.
It is crucial to keep in mind that many people with ADHD have poor memories of their childhood experiences, especially if they had an unhappy childhood. This can impact their ability to recognize the presence of ADHD symptoms in their lives at the moment and sometimes it is necessary for your psychiatrist to speak with a significant other, such as a spouse or partner, to help gather additional information about your childhood.
Asking your primary care doctor for a referral, or speaking with the staff of the local hospital for university patients or calling a mental clinic can help you locate the right healthcare professional who is specialized in ADHD evaluations. You can also talk to a support group for individuals 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 an expert in health care can conduct an exhaustive assessment and come up with an accurate diagnosis. If you don't recognize it, ADHD can cause major problems with relationships, work and overall health.
If your GP is aware that you believe you have ADHD symptoms, they'll be attentive and ask you for more details about your past and present. private adhd assessment may refer you to an NHS screening test that includes an interview with a psychiatrist as well as the completion of several valid ADHD scales.
You'll also be asked to fill out questionnaires with people who know you well such as family members or close friends. This will help your healthcare professional get an overall picture of your personality and how it affects others. For instance, 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 however, their spouse may be able to see that they're struggling to remember things.
Private healthcare professionals aren't permitted to break the rules because you pay for your assessment. They must follow the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for ADHD assessments. However, the process could be quicker than waiting for an appointment with the NHS.
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 do decide to seek treatment with a therapist, it's a good idea to have your GP agree to an agreement of shared care with your private doctor (so you only pay for the NHS prescription charge), so that they can oversee your progress and advise on any changes. This will ensure that you receive the most efficient and appropriate treatment for your specific needs. If you're interested in getting an ADHD assessment, speak to one of our brain and mind specialists at an Priory hospital or wellness centre today.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
ADHD symptoms vary from individual to individual and the way they manifest can also change over time. This is the reason that an accurate diagnosis, particularly for adults, can be difficult to obtain, despite the fact that a lot of GPs are concerned about their patients. It is also why certain people are more difficult than others to access NHS services. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long and it can sometimes take years for a person to be evaluated.
A person may not be able to get an employment opportunity or their relationship could be affected. Adults who have not been diagnosed are at greater risk of developing serious illnesses such as mood disorders and substance abuse. They can experience extreme sadness or anxiety, and start to resign themselves to an existence that lacks the determination and success they could have achieved if they had been diagnosed and treated.
The good news is that if have been struggling to cope with your ADHD it is possible to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. If you decide to go to a private specialist to get an assessment it is crucial to pick your choice carefully. Get recommendations from relatives and friends and ensure you do your research prior to make any choices. Examine their qualifications and credentials and inquire from previous clients and patients about their experiences.
A specialist with the proper education can utilize a variety of tools to determine ADHD. These include interviews, questionnaires, and medical tests. The primary goal is to rule out any other causes of the symptoms, for instance a learning disability or emotional issues, which can be difficult to distinguish from ADHD.
During an ADHD evaluation, the specialist might interview you or your partner to discuss your issues and how they affect your daily life. They may also utilize an DSM-5 checklist of symptoms as well as other psychometric tests to measure the severity of your symptoms. The stimulant medication is used to treat ADHD in children and adults. It has been used since 1937. It is a viable treatment, as it can have a very positive effect on mood and help stabilize the brain's function.
How can I obtain an assessment of ADHD?
A healthcare professional will conduct an interview with you or your children to determine if they have ADHD. They will ask you or your child questions about their behavior in various situations, such as 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 be aware of whether your child's symptoms have been evident since childhood, and if they have impacted your daily life.
They'll also ask whether the symptoms you or your child is experiencing are connected to other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Around 80percent of ADHD sufferers also have co-occurring disorders. It's essential to rule them out.
A private healthcare professional may also ask your permission to talk with family members as well as teachers, friends as well as religious leaders, scout coaches or leaders. They will want to know how your or your child's behavior affects them and their daily activities, and they will also be asked about any history of trauma or abuse.
If they don't consider a 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 they can be explained by another condition.
A referral from your family doctor is a great idea to get an ADHD assessment. If you don't have a family physician, you can ask your insurance company for recommendations or consult a local support group for mental health.
If you've made an appointment for an ADHD assessment, be sure to bring any relevant medical, psychological, education or employment records with you. The health care professional may request your complete social and family histories and may conduct a physical exam.
Once the health care professional has reviewed all of the data, they will be in a position to determine whether or your child is suffering from ADHD. They will then suggest treatment options, including medication, if required. If you are planning to use the NHS prescription service for your medication, it is worth checking with them first to determine if they accept a private diagnosis from an NHS-accredited clinic of ADHD.