ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated disorder that is extremely complex. It can be present from childhood through to adulthood.
Some people choose to pay privately for ADHD assessments and medications because NHS wait times are at an all-time high. BBC Panorama's recent documentary raised concerns that certain services were not up to standard.
What is ADHD?
Your psychiatrist will make 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 to build a clinical picture. Some of these are common questionnaires that all psychiatrists utilize while others are tailored to their particular area, which is why each clinic and psychiatrist has their own set of tests and questions they like to use.
A psychiatrist will also look at your family history, medical and mental health history, and your current symptoms. In most cases, they will ask you about the impact your symptoms have on you at work, at home and in other environments. Then, they will assess whether your symptoms are consistent with the guidelines for treating mental illness established by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5DSM).
To be diagnosed with ADHD your symptoms must be evident in two or more settings (home, school and/or social situations) and significantly hinder your ability to perform. Your symptoms must have started before you were 12 years old, and 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 consultation, your psychiatrist will try to determine if your symptoms have been present from childhood and how they are affecting you at the moment. They will also determine if there are other conditions which could be the cause of your symptoms, like anxiety or sleep disorders or depression.
It is important to remember that many adults with ADHD don't have a clear picture of their childhoods, particularly if it was a difficult one. This makes it difficult for them to identify ADHD symptoms in the present. Your psychiatrist might need to interview people close to you, such as your spouse or partner, to get more details about your childhood.
Asking your primary care doctor for a referral, or speaking with the staff at a local university hospital or calling an office for mental health can help you find a healthcare professional that specializes in ADHD evaluations. You can also contact an online support group for those with ADHD and ask for suggestions.
Why do I need to be tested for ADHD?
Before you begin any treatment, it's crucial to get a full diagnosis if you suspect you may have ADHD. Only a medical professional can determine the diagnosis of ADHD after a thorough examination. Having undiagnosed ADHD can cause major problems with work, relationships and wellbeing.
If your GP believes that you have ADHD symptoms, they will consider your concerns seriously and will ask for more details about your life and past. They'll likely refer you for an NHS screening assessment that will comprise an interview with a clinician and the completion of several valid ADHD evaluation scales.
You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires with people who know you, like your family or close friends. This will help your healthcare professional get a more holistic picture of your personality and how it affects other people. A person with an IQ that is high IQ might have developed coping mechanisms to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. For instance they may utilize technology to track their appointments, but your spouse can tell when they're having difficulty remembering things.
Private healthcare professionals aren't allowed to bend the rules simply because you pay for your assessment. They must still adhere to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines for ADHD assessments. However, the process could be faster than waiting for an appointment with the NHS.
An ADHD assessment can help to identify the root cause of the problem and the best method to treat it. It can also get you on the right track through medication. If you decide to begin treatment, make sure that you make your GP sign a shared-care arrangement with your private physician (so that you pay only for the NHS prescription fee) so that they can keep track of your progress and give advice regarding any changes. This will ensure that you're receiving most appropriate and effective therapy for your needs. Contact one of Priory's brain or mind experts today if you are interested in having an ADHD assessment.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
ADHD symptoms can vary from person to person and the way they manifest can change over time. This is the reason why a precise diagnosis can be difficult to obtain, particularly for adults, despite numerous GPs taking their concerns seriously. This is the reason why some people are more difficult to access NHS services than others. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and it can sometimes take years for someone to get evaluated.
In the meantime, a person might not be able to find work, or their relationships might suffer. Adults who aren't diagnosed are at greater chance of having serious issues like mood disorders and substance abuse. They may experience extreme sadness or anxiety, and they may start to resign themselves to living a life without the motivation and achievement they could have had if they were diagnosed and treated.
The good news is that if you 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 get your test in private. Do your research and request recommendations from your friends and family before making any decision. Check their qualifications and credentials and inquire from previous clients and patients about their experience.
A trained professional can utilize a variety tools to identify ADHD, including interviews, questionnaires and medical tests, as well as observation of behavior. The goal is to rule out any other causes of the symptoms, for instance a learning disability or emotional issues, which can be difficult to differentiate from ADHD.
In an ADHD assessment the specialist will talk to you, possibly with your partner or family members to explore your symptoms and their impact on your life. The specialist could also use a DSM-5 checklist of symptoms and other psychometric assessments to measure the severity of your symptoms. Stimulant medication improves ADHD symptoms in approximately 70% of adults and children and has been used to treat ADHD since 1937. It is an effective treatment since it can have a positive impact on mood and stabilize the brain's function.
How can I obtain a diagnosis of ADHD?
To diagnose ADHD, a healthcare professional will interview you or your child. They will ask you or your child questions regarding their behavior in different settings, such as at school and at home. They may also use rating scales to help identify symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. They will need to determine if your symptoms or those of your child were present from childhood and if these symptoms have affected your daily life.
They will also want to determine if your child's symptoms may be related to any other mental health problems such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. About 80% of those suffering from ADHD have co-occurring mental health issues, so it is important to rule them out.
A private healthcare provider can also request permission to speak with your family members, teachers, friends, religious leaders, scout coaches or scout leaders of scouts. They will want to know how your or your child's behavior affects their daily routine and will be asked about any history of abuse or trauma.
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 believe the symptoms are serious enough or that they believe that they could be caused by another condition.
It is recommended to seek a referral from your family physician for an ADHD evaluation. If you don't have a family physician, you can contact your insurance company or a local mental health support group for recommendations.
Bring any relevant documents that are relevant, such as medical, psychological, education, and employment, to your appointment. The health professional may ask you for your complete social and family histories and may conduct a physical exam.
After the health professional has reviewed all the information, they will be in a position to determine whether or your child is suffering from ADHD. If they are required, they will recommend medication or other treatment. If you intend to use the NHS prescription services get more info for your medication, check with them first to confirm that they will accept a private diagnosis of ADHD that has been accredited by the NHS.