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ADHD Diagnosis ADHD is a complicated condition. It can affect anyone from childhood to adulthood. Some people 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 ADHD? An ADHD diagnosis is a clinical assessment made by your psychiatrist based upon your developmental background, behavioural patterns and symptoms. To determine a diagnosis they will ask you to fill out several questionnaires and interview you to establish a clinical picture. Some of these questions are common and are used by all psychiatrists, while others are tailored to each psychiatrist. Each psychiatrist and clinic will have their own list of questions and tests they prefer to use. A psychiatrist will also look at your family history, medical and mental health history, and your current symptoms. They'll usually ask you how your symptoms impact you at work, home and other places. They will then assess whether 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). The symptoms you are experiencing must be present at least two times (at school, home or in social situations) and severely impair your ability function. The symptoms must have begun before the age of 12 years old, and should 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 consultation the psychiatrist will examine how your symptoms are affecting your life right now and if they have been present since the age of. They will also look into whether you have other conditions that might be causing your symptoms, for instance anxiety, sleep disorders or depression. It is important to remember that many people with ADHD have a poor memory of their childhood experiences, especially when they have had a difficult upbringing. This makes it difficult for them to identify ADHD symptoms in the present. Your psychiatrist might need to interview people close to you like your spouse or partner to get more information about your childhood. Contacting your primary physician for a referral or consulting the staff of a local hospital of a university or an office for mental health can help you find an expert in healthcare who specializes in ADHD evaluations. You can also join a support group for individuals with ADHD and request recommendations. Why do I need to be tested for ADHD? If you suspect you may have ADHD, it's crucial to have a complete diagnosis prior to beginning any treatment. It's impossible to diagnose ADHD by taking an online test or questionnaire. Only a health professional can carry out an extensive assessment and provide an accurate diagnosis. Having undiagnosed ADHD can lead to serious problems with work, relationships and overall health. If your GP is aware that you you might be suffering from ADHD They will take you seriously and request details of your past and present. They'll likely refer you to an NHS screening test that will comprise a clinical interview and the submission of a number of validated ADHD evaluation scales. You'll also be asked to complete questionnaires with others who know you well such as family members or close friends. This allows the healthcare professional to gain an understanding of your behaviour, and how it impacts others. A person with an IQ that is high IQ might have developed strategies to deal with the symptoms of ADHD. For instance, they might use technology to their appointments, but your spouse can tell when they are having trouble remembering things. A private healthcare provider won't be able to bend the rules because you're paying for the assessment. They must still adhere to National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidelines when conducting an assessment for ADHD. The process is often quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment. A ADHD assessment will help you understand the root of your issues and how best to address them, as well as getting you on the right path with your medication. If private adhd assessment decide to start treatment, you must make your GP sign a shared care agreement with your private physician (so that you pay only for the NHS prescription fee) to follow your progress and offer guidance regarding any changes. This will ensure that you receive the most efficient and appropriate therapy for your specific requirements. If you're interested in having an ADHD assessment, talk to one of our brain and mind specialists at the Priory hospital or wellness centre today. What happens if I don't get an answer to my question? ADHD symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and their manifestations can change with the passage of time. This is the reason why a precise diagnosis can be difficult to get, especially for adults, despite a lot of GPs taking their concerns seriously. This is the reason why some people are more difficult to access NHS services in comparison to others. NHS waiting lists can be extremely long, and it can take years before someone who wants to be assessed can receive an assessment. In the meantime, a person may not be able to find work or their relationships could be affected. Adults who aren't diagnosed are at a greater risk of serious problems like mood disorders and substance abuse. Adults who aren't diagnosed may suffer from extreme anxiety or sadness, and may be forced to accept the fact that they are not able to have the motivation and achievement they could have achieved if they had been diagnosed and treated. The good news is that if you have struggled with your ADHD, it is possible to receive the right diagnosis and treatment. It is important to carefully select a doctor if you decide to have your test done in private. Do your research and request recommendations from your friends and family prior to making any decisions. Verify that they're qualified and credentials, as well as talk with previous clients or patients about their experiences with them. A properly trained specialist can utilize a variety tools to help identify ADHD such as interviews, questionnaires and medical tests, as well as observation of behavior. The main goal of the diagnosis is to rule out any other causes, like emotional problems or learning disabilities, which are difficult to distinguish from ADHD. During an ADHD assessment, the specialist will interview you, possibly with your spouse or family members to assess your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. They may also employ the 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 around since 1937. It can be a very efficient treatment since it has a positive effect on mood, and can stabilise brain functioning. How do I obtain an ADHD diagnosis? To determine if your child has ADHD, a healthcare professional will interview you or your child. They will ask questions about your or your child's behavior across different settings, such as at home and at school. They may also use rating scales to help identify symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. They should also know whether your or your child's symptoms have been present since childhood, and if they have impacted your daily life. They'll also want to know if your or your child's symptoms are linked to any other mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Around 80% of ADHD sufferers have co-occurring disorders, so it's crucial to rule them out. A private healthcare professional can also ask for permission to interview your family members, friends, teachers and religious leaders, scout coaches, or Scout leaders of scouts. They will inquire about how your or your child's behavior affects their daily lives and ask whether there any past history of abuse or trauma. If they do not believe a diagnosis of ADHD to be appropriate medical professional will explain the reason. It could be due to the fact that they don't believe that the symptoms are severe enough, or they are better explained by a different condition. A recommendation from your family physician is a great suggestion to get an ADHD assessment. If you don't have a family physician or a psychiatrist, you can ask your insurance company or a local mental health support group for recommendations. Bring any relevant documentation including psychological, medical educational, employment, and so on, to your appointment. The health professional may request your complete family and social histories and may conduct a physical exam. Once the health care professional has reviewed all of the information, they will be in a position to determine whether or whether your child or you has ADHD. If needed, they'll recommend medication or a different treatment. If you plan to use the NHS prescription service to get your medication, it is worth checking with them first to determine if they accept an NHS-accredited private diagnosis of ADHD.