ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a complex condition. It can affect people from childhood right through to adulthood.
Some people opt to pay privately for ADHD assessments and medications because NHS wait times are at an all-time high. The recent documentary by BBC Panorama highlighted concerns that certain services weren't up to standards.
What is ADHD?
Your doctor will make an assessment of ADHD by looking at the signs, your developmental history and your behavioural tendencies. They will ask you to fill out several questionnaires and then interview you to develop a picture of your condition. Some of these questions are common and used by all psychiatrists, while others are specific for each psychiatrist. Each psychiatrist and clinic will have their own set of questions and tests they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist will also need to review your family medical and psychiatric histories and your current symptoms. Most often, they'll ask you about how your symptoms affect you at work, at home and in other environments. Then, they will determine whether your symptoms are in line with the guidelines for clinical care established by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5DSM).
Your symptoms must be present at least two times (at school, home or in social situations) and severely impair your ability to function. Your symptoms must have been present for a long period of time and began before you reached 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 interview your psychiatrist will try to determine if your symptoms have been present from childhood and how they affect you now. They will also determine if there are other conditions that might be causing your symptoms, such as anxiety, sleep disorders or depression.
It is crucial to remember that many adults with ADHD do not have a good memory of their childhood, especially when it was difficult. This can make it difficult for them to recognize ADHD symptoms in the present. Your doctor may have to interview your family members, such as your spouse or partner, to get more details about your childhood.
Asking your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist or the staff of a local university hospital, or calling an office for mental health can help you find the right healthcare professional who is specialized in ADHD assessments. You can also contact a support group for people who suffer from ADHD and ask for recommendations.
Why do I need be tested for ADHD?
Before beginning any treatment, it's important to get a complete diagnosis if you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD. Only a doctor can diagnose ADHD after a thorough evaluation. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause major issues in your work, with relationships and with your wellbeing.
If your GP is aware that you think you may have symptoms of ADHD They will consider you a serious patient and ask for details of your history and life. They'll likely recommend you to an NHS screening assessment that includes an interview with a clinician as well as the completion of several validated ADHD scales.
You will also be asked to fill out questionnaires with people who are familiar with you, like your family members or close friends. This will help the healthcare professional gain a more holistic picture of your personality and how it affects others. A person with high IQ may have developed coping mechanisms to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. For instance they may utilize technology to their appointments, but spouses can tell if they're having trouble remembering things.
A private healthcare professional won't be able to alter the rules just because you're paying for their evaluation, and they must adhere to National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when assessing for ADHD. However, the process could be quicker than waiting for an appointment with the NHS.
A ADHD assessment will help you understand the root of your issues and the best to address these issues, while also getting you on the right path with medication. If you decide to commence treatment, you should have your GP sign a shared care agreement with your private doctor (so that you only pay for the NHS prescription fee) so that they can monitor your progress and provide guidance on any changes. This will ensure that you get the most effective and appropriate treatment to meet your individual needs. If you're interested in having an ADHD assessment, talk to one of our brain and mind specialists at an Priory hospital or wellbeing centre today.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
ADHD symptoms can vary from person to person, and their manifestations can change over the passage of time. This is why an accurate diagnosis is difficult to get, especially for adults, despite a lot of GPs taking their concerns seriously. It is also why some people find it harder than others to access NHS services. private adhd assessment cost waiting lists are notoriously long, and it can sometimes take years for someone to get evaluated.
A person may not be able to get work or their relationship could suffer. Adults who aren't diagnosed are at greater risk for serious problems like mood disorders or addiction to drugs. They may experience extreme sadness or anxiety, and be tempted to settle for a life that lacks the motivation and achievement they could have achieved if they were diagnosed and treated.
The good news is that if you have struggled with your ADHD, it is possible to get the right diagnosis and treatment. If you decide to go to an individual specialist for an evaluation, it is important to choose carefully. Do your research and seek recommendations from your friends and family before making any decision. Check 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 exams. The main goal is to rule out any other causes of the symptoms, such as a learning disability or emotional issues, which are difficult to distinguish from ADHD.
During an ADHD assessment the specialist will talk to you and perhaps your spouse or family members to discuss your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. The specialist may also use a DSM-5 checklist of symptoms and other psychometric assessments to measure the severity of your condition. Stimulant medication improves ADHD symptoms in approximately 70% of adults and children and has been used to treat ADHD since 1937. It can be a very efficient treatment since it can have a highly positive effect on mood, and may help to stabilize brain function.
How can I obtain 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 about 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 should know if your symptoms or those of your child have been present from childhood and if these symptoms have affected your daily life.
They will also ask if the symptoms you or your child is experiencing are related to other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. About 80% of ADHD sufferers have co-occurring disorders, so it's essential to eliminate them.
A private health care provider may also ask for permission to interview your family members, teachers, friends, religious leaders, scout coach, or scout leaders from scouts. They'll need to know how your or your child's behavior affects them and their daily activities They will also be asked about any histories of trauma or abuse.
If they don't consider the diagnosis of ADHD to be appropriate then the healthcare professional will tell you why. It could be due to the fact that they do not think the symptoms are severe enough, or they are better explained by another condition.
A recommendation from your family physician is a great idea for an ADHD assessment. If you do not have a family physician, you can contact your insurance company or a local mental health support group for recommendations.
Bring any relevant documentation including psychological, medical education, employment, and other to your appointment. The health care specialist will likely request a complete family and social history. They will also conduct a physical examination.
After the health care professional has reviewed all the information, they will be in a position to determine whether or whether your child or you is suffering from ADHD. If needed, they'll recommend medication or a different treatment. If you're planning to use the NHS prescription service for your medication, it is recommended to check with them first to see if they will accept an NHS-accredited private diagnosis of ADHD.