ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex disorder that is extremely complex. It can affect people from childhood right to the age of adulthood.
Some people pay privately for ADHD assessments and medication due to the fact that NHS wait times are at an all-time high. The recent BBC Panorama documentary has highlighted the fact that some of these services are not up to scratch.
What is ADHD?
An ADHD diagnosis is a forensic evaluation by your psychiatrist based on your developmental background, behavioural patterns and symptoms. To determine a diagnosis, they'll ask you complete several questionnaires and then interview you to create a more detailed picture. Certain of these questionnaires are standardised and are used by all psychiatrists, whereas others are tailored to each psychiatrist. Each clinic and psychiatrist will have their specific set of tests and questions they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist will also look at your family history as well as your mental and medical history, along with your current symptoms. They'll usually ask you about how your symptoms affect your daily life at home, work and in other locations. They will then determine if 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).
The symptoms you are experiencing must be present at least twice (at school, at home or in social situations) and significantly limit your ability to function. Your symptoms must have started before you reached the age of 12 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 also try to determine how your symptoms are affecting your daily life and if they've been present since the age of. They will also determine if there are other conditions that may explain your symptoms. For example sleep disorders, anxiety or depression.
It is crucial to keep in mind that many adults with ADHD have poor memories of their childhood experiences, particularly when they have had an unhappy childhood. This can 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 interview a significant other, such as a spouse or partner, to help gather additional information about your childhood.
Asking your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist or the staff of a local university hospital or a mental clinic can help you find the right healthcare professional who is specialized in ADHD assessments. You can also join a support group for people with ADHD and request suggestions.
Why do I need to be evaluated for ADHD?
If you think you might have ADHD and you suspect that you may have it, it is essential to establish a thorough diagnosis before starting any treatment. It's impossible to diagnose ADHD through an online test or questionnaire. Only an expert in health care can conduct an exhaustive assessment and come up with a clear diagnosis. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause serious problems with work, relationships and wellbeing.
If your GP is aware that you believe you may have ADHD symptoms, they'll be attentive and ask you for more details about your past and present. 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'll also be asked to complete questionnaires with other people who are familiar with you, such as family members or close friends. This allows the healthcare professional to gain a better understanding of your behaviour, and how it affects others. For instance, someone with a high IQ may have developed strategies to alleviate their symptoms of ADHD by using technology to keep track of appointments, but their spouse might be able to tell they're having trouble remembering things.
Private healthcare professionals aren't permitted to break the rules since they pay for their assessment. They must still follow the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for ADHD assessments. The process can here be faster than waiting for an NHS appointment.
An ADHD assessment can help to determine the root cause of the issue and the best approach to address it. It can also get you on the right track through medication. If you decide to commence treatment, you should have your GP sign a shared care agreement with your private doctor (so that you pay only for the NHS prescription fee) so that they can follow your progress and offer advice on any changes. This will ensure that you're receiving most effective and appropriate treatment for your needs. If you're interested in getting an ADHD assessment, speak to one of our brain and mind experts at a Priory hospital or wellness centre today.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
ADHD symptoms can vary from person to person and their manifestations can also change over the passage of time. This is why a reliable diagnosis is difficult to obtain, particularly for adults, despite a lot of GPs taking their concerns seriously. It is also a reason 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 a person to be evaluated.
In the meantime, one may not be able find an employment opportunity, or their relationships might suffer. Adults who aren't diagnosed are at a greater risk of serious health issues like mood disorders and addiction. Undiagnosed adults can suffer from extreme anxiety or sadness, and may eventually accept their lives without the motivation and achievement they would have enjoyed 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. If you decide to visit an individual specialist for an evaluation, it is important to select your doctor carefully. Ask for recommendations from relatives and friends and ensure you conduct your own research prior to you make any decisions. Make sure they have the right qualifications and credentials, as well as talk with previous clients or patients about their experiences with them.
A specialist with the proper training can use a variety tools to determine ADHD. These include questionnaires, interviews and medical examinations. The main goal of the diagnosis is to rule out possible causes, like learning disabilities or emotional issues, which are difficult to differentiate from ADHD.
In an ADHD assessment the specialist will talk to you and perhaps your spouse or family members to assess your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. The specialist may also use a DSM-5 checklist of symptoms as well as other psychometric tests to assess your severity. Stimulant medication can improve ADHD symptoms in around 70 percent of both children and adults, and it has been used to treat ADHD since 1937. It can be an extremely efficient treatment since it can have a highly positive effect on mood, and may help to stabilize brain function.
How can I get an assessment of ADHD?
A medical professional will interview your child or you to determine if they have 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 will also need to know whether your or your child's symptoms have existed since childhood and if they have affected daily functioning.
They'll also want to determine if your child's symptoms are related to any other mental health problems like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. About 90% of ADHD sufferers also have co-occurring disorders, which is why it's important to determine if they are.
A private health care provider may also ask for permission to speak with your family members, teachers, friends, and religious leaders, scout coach, or Scout leaders of scouts. They will ask about how your your child's behavior affects his or her daily functioning and will also ask if there any past previous history of trauma or abuse.
The healthcare professional will explain why they don't think the diagnosis of ADHD is appropriate. The reason could be that they don't believe that the symptoms are severe enough or that they believe they are caused by another condition.
It is a good idea to seek a referral from your family doctor for an ADHD assessment. If you don't have a family doctor, you can ask your insurance provider for recommendations or join a local support group for mental health.
Bring any relevant documentation, including medical, psychological educational, employment, and so on to your appointment. The health professional may require your complete social and family histories and will conduct a physical examination.
After looking over all the data after which the health professional will be able to determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD. They will then recommend treatments, like medication, if necessary. If you are planning to utilize the NHS prescription service for your medication, it is recommended to check with them first to see if they will accept a private diagnosis from an NHS-accredited clinic of ADHD.