ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a complicated condition that can be difficult to manage. It can be a problem for anyone from childhood to adulthood.
Some people choose to pay privately for ADHD tests and medication because 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 ADHD?
An ADHD diagnosis is a clinical evaluation by your psychiatrist based on your developmental history, behavioural tendencies and signs. They will ask you to fill out various questionnaires, and then interview you in order to develop a picture of your condition. Certain of these questionnaires are standardised and are used by all psychiatrists, whereas others are specific to each psychiatrist. Each psychiatrist and clinic will have their specific set of questions and tests they prefer to use.
A psychiatrist will also look at your family history, medical and mental health history, along with your current symptoms. In most cases, they will ask you about how your symptoms affect you at work, at home and in other environments. 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).
To be considered to have ADHD, your symptoms must be evident in two or more settings (home or at school, as well as social situations) and significantly affect your ability to perform. The symptoms must have begun before you were 12 years old, and they must be present for a lengthy 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 the extent to which your symptoms affect your life right now and if they've been present since childhood. They will also determine if there are other circumstances that might be responsible for your symptoms. For instance, a sleep disorder depression, anxiety or sleep disorder.
It is crucial to keep in mind that many adults with ADHD don't have a clear memory of their childhood, especially in the case of a difficult one. This can make it difficult for them to recognize ADHD symptoms in the present. Your doctor may have to speak with people close to you, such as your spouse or partner in order to gather more information about your childhood.
Asking your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist or the staff of a local university hospital or calling a mental clinic will help you find a healthcare professional that specializes in ADHD assessments. You can also ask for recommendations from a group of people who suffer from ADHD.
Why do I require an ADHD assessment?
Before you begin any treatment, it is crucial to get a full diagnosis if you suspect you might have ADHD. Only a doctor can diagnose ADHD after a thorough assessment. If you don't recognize it, ADHD can lead to serious problems with work, relationships and overall health.
If your GP is aware that you think you have symptoms of ADHD, they will consider you a serious patient and ask for details of your life and history. They will likely recommend you to an NHS screening test that includes a clinical interview and the completion of a number of valid ADHD scales.
You will also be asked to fill out questionnaires with those who are familiar with you, such as your close family members or friends. This will help the healthcare professional to get an understanding of your personality and how it affects others. A person with a high IQ may 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.
A private healthcare professional will not be able to alter the rules simply because you're paying for their evaluation, and they must follow National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when conducting an assessment for ADHD. However, the process can be quicker than waiting for an appointment with the NHS.
An ADHD assessment can help determine the root cause of the issue and the best approach to tackle it. It can also help get you on the right path through treatment. If you do decide to seek treatment for ADHD, it's best to have your GP accept a shared care agreement with your private physician (so you only pay the NHS prescription fee) and they can keep track of your progress and offer advice on any changes. This will ensure that you're receiving most effective and efficient treatment for your needs. Contact one of Priory's brain and mind experts today if interested in having an ADHD assessment.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
ADHD symptoms can vary greatly between individuals and their manifestations can change with the passage of time. This is why a reliable diagnosis can be difficult to obtain, particularly for adults, despite numerous GPs taking their concerns seriously. It is also a reason why certain people are more difficult than others to access NHS services. NHS waiting lists are notoriously long, and it can take years for someone to get evaluated.
In the meantime, someone may not be able find a job or relationships may be affected. Adults who are not diagnosed are at a greater chance of having serious issues such as mood disorders and addiction to drugs. They can feel a sense of extreme sadness or an anxiety, and they may begin to accept living a life without the motivation and achievement they could have had 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 choose to see a private specialist for an evaluation it is essential to choose carefully. Do your research and ask for recommendations from your family and friends before making any decisions. Verify their credentials and qualifications and ask previous clients and patients about their experience.
A properly trained specialist can use a variety of tools to help determine the cause of ADHD, including interviews, questionnaires and medical tests, as well as behavioral observations. The goal is to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms, for instance a learning disability or emotional issues, which can be difficult to distinguish from ADHD.
During an ADHD assessment, the specialist will interview you and perhaps your family members or friends to explore your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. They might also use an DSM-5 symptom checklist and other psychometric tests to gauge the severity of your symptoms. Stimulant medications improve ADHD symptoms in about 70 percent of both children and adults and has been used to treat ADHD since 1937. It is a viable treatment as it has the potential to have a positive impact on mood and stabilize the functioning of the brain.
How do I get an assessment of ADHD?
A healthcare professional will interview your child or you to determine the cause of ADHD. They will inquire about your or your child's behavior across different situations, like at home and at school. They may also use rating scales to help identify symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. They'll also need to know whether your or your child's symptoms have existed since childhood and if they have affected their daily functioning.
They should also know if your or your child's symptoms may be related to any other mental health problems like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers have co-occurring disorders. It's crucial to eliminate them.
A private healthcare professional may also request your permission to speak with family members or friends, teachers or scout leaders. They may also interview religious leaders or coaches. They will want to know how your or your child's behavior affects them and their daily activities and will be asked about any histories of trauma or abuse.
The healthcare cost of private adhd assessment professional will explain why they do not believe that the diagnosis of ADHD is appropriate. The reason could be that they don't think the symptoms are serious enough or that they believe that they could be caused by another disorder.
A recommendation from your family physician is a great idea for an ADHD assessment. If you don't have a family doctor you can contact your insurance company for recommendations or contact a local mental support group.
After you have scheduled an appointment for an ADHD assessment, be sure to bring any relevant medical, psychological or education or employment documents with you. The health care professional might request your complete social and family histories and will conduct a physical examination.
Once the health care professional has reviewed all the information they will be able to determine whether or whether your child or you has ADHD. If needed, they'll suggest medication or other treatments. If you are planning to utilize the NHS prescription service to get your medication, it is important to first check with them to see if they will accept an NHS-accredited private diagnosis of ADHD.