A neuropsychologist, psychiatrist or psychologist can perform an ADHD assessment. They will determine if you meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition.
Your GP could suggest an assessment, but it's essential to get a second opinion from a specialist. This is especially important in the event that your doctor has a bias in diagnosing ADHD.
Finding a Neuropsychologist or Psychiatrist
A private assessment for ADHD can assist you in getting the information and help you require to manage your disorder. An assessment can also help improve communication between and between healthcare professionals, which could help in obtaining more accurate diagnoses and better treatment. There are a variety of options to take an ADHD assessment, based on your budget and needs.
You can seek a diagnosis through psychiatrists, neuropsychologists or another mental health professional. Some of these professionals are available through the NHS, while others work in private practice. Each has pros and cons, so it's important to choose the right one for you.
Psychiatrists are medically trained and licensed to prescribe medication. They also are trained in the field of behavioral therapy and are able to diagnose and treat a variety of disorders, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. They might be able to treat underlying conditions that cause the symptoms of ADHD.
Psychologists hold advanced degrees and are licensed to provide counseling or behavioral therapy as well as cognitive therapy. They are able to treat a broad range of disorders such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and addiction to drugs. They can help you manage your life at home as well as at school and at work.
A neurologist has expertise in the central nervous system and brain. They can determine if other issues, such as seizure disorders or a brain tumor are contributing to the ADHD symptoms of your child.
Nurse practitioners can perform many of the same tasks as doctors but they are not as skilled or have the same education. They can conduct blood tests, take a history of the patient, and prescribe medication. They typically work for a large group of physicians or private practice and are skilled in a specific area of medicine, such as depression or anxiety.
The NHS has long waiting lists and is frequently under-funded. In England you have the right to choose how you manage your mental health. You can now access an individual assessment through an accredited provider like RTN Mental Health Solutions. They are able to provide affordable and gold standard assessments for children and adults that conform to NICE guidelines.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to determine ADHD. It is not unusual for adults to spend long on NHS waiting lists and often need to pay for private treatment themselves.
The first step is to visit an individual doctor for an assessment. It is recommended that patients bring a list of their symptoms and any issues they're experiencing, as this will help the doctor to focus on the factors that may be causing their problems. It is recommended to talk to any family members who might have been diagnosed as ADHD. They can be extremely helpful in this process.
The psychologist or psychiatrist will then discuss the patient's issues in depth and compare them with the ADHD criteria. This includes looking at the present problems and the patient's history, from childhood to present. To receive an diagnosis, the doctor must find that at least six of the 14 ADHD traits (symptoms) are present both currently and at some point in the patient's life.
If the psychiatrist finds that the patient is displaying symptoms of ADHD and they prescribe medication. This usually happens under a shared care agreement with the GP. It is recommended to check with your GP to confirm that they are in agreement with this arrangement before going for a private evaluation.
This allows the GPs to prescribe medication instead of private clinics, saving costs. This means that you are still seeing the same doctor however you pay less for treatment.
Some factors can make it difficult for someone to receive a correct diagnosis. For instance being part of an ethnic minority or being assigned a female at birth, or not being able to speak English first. It is important to be aware of these biases and work together with your medical professional to overcome them. This can be accomplished through discussion, writing your symptoms and experiences down, bringing pertinent documents to your appointment etc.
Medication Management
For many people an individual diagnosis and the appropriate treatment plan could be life-changing. A ADHD diagnosis can help you get your life back on track and reach your goals, whatever they are. For adults, an ADHD diagnosis can result in better work and family relationships confidence and self-esteem and a more fulfilled life.
A private ADHD assessment for children can be a life-changing experience, giving them the ability to achieve their goals. Without a formal diagnosis, the child who has ADHD can struggle at school and be misunderstood parents and others and be left out of the potential of childhood. A private assessment and a custom treatment plan from Diverse Diagnostics can empower your child, and provide them with the support they need to overcome their symptoms, fulfil their potential, and be happy and successful in all areas of their lives.
If you decide to get an ADHD private assessment, your psychiatrist will come up with a personalized treatment plan that may involve medication. Your psychiatrist will explain the various types of drugs that are used to treat ADHD, including stimulants and other non-stimulants. Stimulants can improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity, but they can cause side effects such as insomnia, an elevated heart rate or blood pressure, and in some cases psychosis. Non-stimulants are less efficient, but they don't have any side effects. They also carry less of a dependency and abuse risk.
You will need to have a psychiatrist or specialist nurse prescribe the medication for you. Nice guidelines say "only a specialist psychiatrist or nurse can diagnose ADHD or deny it" (NICE 87). Other mental health professionals like psychologists cannot provide a formalised diagnosis of ADHD and therefore are not able to prescribe medications.
Keep a copy of your doctor's prescription and any notes you make when he suggests medication to treat your ADHD. It is also important that you inform your GP that you are taking medication, since they must be aware in the event that you are experiencing an interaction with a medication or have any other problems with the medication.
Therapy
When a person with ADHD receives a diagnosis Psychotherapy is often a component of the treatment plan. Psychiatrists and psychologists can help teach people coping skills that they can employ in their daily life, such as relaxation strategies or time management. They may also recommend the use of behavior therapy to reduce symptoms. private adhd assessment manchester can be beneficial for adults with ADHD and children.
Behavioral therapy is available alone or in conjunction with medication. During therapy sessions, a therapist will help a patient discover the root of their problems and suggest solutions. During this process the therapist will frequently ask questions and encourage self-reflection. For instance, a therapy therapist might ask, "When do you feel overwhelmed?" Another therapist might concentrate on helping clients learn how to recognize their own negative attitudes and behaviors and to change them.
A therapist can also help people deal with issues at home or at work. A therapist could teach someone how they can request accommodations from their supervisor or teacher. The patient could learn to communicate with coworkers and explain the effects of ADHD.
Many therapists are experts in diagnosing ADHD and can provide various therapies. Some therapy providers specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), whereas others are more focused on mindfulness or other non-cognitive approaches. Some therapists are also experts in other mental health issues which may share symptoms that are associated with ADHD like anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorders.
In addition to medication, other treatments for ADHD include behavior therapy and coaching. Behavioral therapy can be used by adults and kids and can help them develop confidence in their capacity to succeed regardless of the obstacles they may face. For instance, a therapist can teach kids and their parents how to implement the concept of rewards and consequences at home. For adolescents, a therapist may assist them in establishing goals for themselves and help them to track their progress. Some therapists offer equine assisted psychotherapy, which involves working with a horse to help a client regulate their body energy and recognize non-verbal cues.
