Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Getting an adhd diagnosis as an adult can be difficult. NHS services are underfunded, and referrals for assessments can take quite a while.
If referred to a psychiatrist, they will need to confirm if symptoms were present since childhood (old school reports could help) and will also inquire about co-morbidities like anxiety and depression. Private treatment can be a quicker, more understanding and professional service.
How can I get a diagnosis?
If you're having trouble keeping up with the demands of your home or at work, losing your keys often or are having difficulty staying in contact with family members, it could be a good idea to talk to your GP regarding possible ADHD. ADHD is the most prevalent mental illness in the UK and most adults don't realize they suffer from it. The good news is getting a proper diagnose and starting treatment will help you get back on path.
If your doctor believes you might have ADHD they will refer you to a mental health service. Most often, this is a neurodevelopmental or community mental health service. It can be a long wait to get an assessment however there are a few ways to speed the process.
Prior to your ADHD assessment, it's likely that you'll be asked to complete questionnaires to determine the frequency with which you experience certain symptoms and how stressful they are. The doctor who is conducting your assessment will also need to know if you've suffered from these symptoms since childhood, and they may request old school reports or other evidence from relatives.
The doctor will also want you to be sure that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two areas of your life. This could include losing your job because of poor time management, having significant conflict and stress in your relationship or getting into financial trouble because of the impulsive spending.
A medical examination will also be performed prior to your examination to rule out any other medical conditions that might be the cause of the symptoms you've been experiencing, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. They will also ensure that you don't have any other physical limitations, such as hearing impairment or a learning disability. loss.
If you decide to undergo an assessment in private it's a good idea to check that your GP will accept an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with the clinic you have chosen. This means that the clinic will send paperwork to your GP so that you can return to your NHS provider to receive treatment. This will include medication and CBT.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for those who have fought all their lives with symptoms of this disorder. It can provide a number of reasons the reasons they've been struggling and also give them hope for the future. However, a diagnosis can cause a lot of feelings that are difficult to handle.
A private ADHD assessment by a specialist psychiatrist will assist you in getting a diagnosis and get the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. They will employ different methods to assess your symptoms, including symptom checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask for information from relatives or friends.
They will then use the evidence to make a diagnostic decision. They will look at the way your ADHD symptoms impact your life and if they are causing significant impairment. They will also check if you have any other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms. If they conclude that you have ADHD they'll usually prescribe medication. They will also ask whether you'd like to look into other options like CBT and other non-pharmacological methods.
Medication can be very helpful for people with ADHD, but it's not an effective treatment. The management of the side effects of ADHD medications can be challenging and it's essential to follow your doctor's advice.
In England this year, more adults were prescribed medications for ADHD than children. This is an increase on previous years, and is even more so due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This increase in prescribing is mainly due the availability of drugs previously only available to children. The most commonly prescribed medications are methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
If you're interested in an individual ADHD assessment, we suggest that you consult your GP first to find out what the NHS can provide you with. They will be more than happy to refer you for an ADHD assessment, however there may be long waiting lists. If this is the case, print a letter of support from ADHD UK to take to your appointment. The letter states that only a specialist doctor can diagnose ADHD and they can't refuse to do so.
CBT
An ADHD diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for adults. Many people feel it provides an explanation for their problems throughout their lives and help them understand why they are different. It can be a very difficult condition to manage. People suffering from ADHD frequently have issues with their relationships, work, and studies. They may be frustrated and not understood. It is helpful to talk to others who suffer from ADHD and to remember that you're certainly not alone.
The best method to diagnose ADHD is to speak with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert. They are the only healthcare professionals qualified to diagnose adult ADHD in the UK. You might have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Nurses, doctors and psychologists may be ignorant of the condition and may react with anti-ADHD prejudice. It may be necessary to try multiple times before you locate an expert with the necessary knowledge and experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
During your appointment your psychiatrist will assess whether your symptoms are causing serious impairment. They will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life, and if you have any family history of ADHD. They will also want to rule out other illnesses like depression, anxiety, and thyroid issues, which could present with similar symptoms to ADHD. They will probably use questionnaires and rating scales to evaluate your ADHD symptoms, but they will not solely rely on these to establish a diagnosis.
Following the clinical evaluation Your psychiatrist will then discuss and determine the treatment plan. They may recommend medication, but they could also suggest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be extremely effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually delivered face-to-face but it could also be offered via phone or online.
CBT assists you in changing your thinking and behavior to lessen the negative effects of ADHD symptoms. It can help you learn to cope with distressing feelings like shame or embarrassment. CBT can teach you techniques that can aid you in managing your symptoms. For example managing your time and self care.
Support
Help is available for those who are not sure if you have ADHD. There are a myriad of choices for treatment which include medication and other therapies. There are adhd diagnostic to help you at work, in school or at home. If you are unable work due to ADHD, the Access to Work scheme can offer financial and practical assistance. This scheme is specifically designed for adults who suffer from ADHD employed in a paid position and can cover things like job coaching and training. There are also charities that can assist you in getting back to work or find an opportunity to work. The ADD UK site has a list of charities. You can also seek help with the cost of medication through the Pharmacy Direct service.
You can request your GP to refer you to an expert if they don't have time or the expertise to assess ADHD. This could involve a more thorough assessment, a physical exam and interviews with people who know you. You'll need to provide detailed information about your symptoms as well as the length of time they've been present for. They must be sure that your issues are not caused by a different illness, for example an anxiety disorder.
Doctors and other healthcare professionals will need to be aware of the differentiators between adult and child ADHD symptoms and how the symptoms may change over the years. It's a good idea to prepare for the assessment by recording examples of your symptoms and how they have affected you, particularly in childhood. You can also write down any issues you face in your life. Bring details if, for example, you have difficulty organising your home, or getting along well with your friends.
You can attempt to get a diagnosis from the NHS for ADHD but it's usually a lengthy process. NHS specialists, GPs and other healthcare professionals are often inadequately staffed and lack the knowledge of ADHD. The best option is to consult an individual psychiatrist. They will likely be more acquainted with ADHD in adults and can screen you for mental health conditions like depression. They can also provide recommendation letters to your school or work if needed. Prices vary, but in London they usually are between PS500 and PS1,200.