Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
It can be difficult to obtain an adhd diagnosis at the age of adulthood. NHS services are underfunded and referrals to tests can take quite a while.
A psychiatrist will confirm that the symptoms are present since childhood (old school records can help), and will ask about co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety. Private therapy can be more efficient, faster and more sensitive.
How to receive a medical diagnosis?
If adhd diagnosis adults uk struggling to keep up with your tasks at home or at work, losing your keys often or are having trouble keeping in touch with family members, it may be worthwhile talking to your GP about the possibility of ADHD. Although many people with ADHD do not have a diagnosis, it is the most common mental health problem in the UK. The good news is getting an accurate diagnosis and beginning treatment will allow you to get back on the right track.
If your doctor believes you might be suffering from ADHD, he or she will recommend you to a suitable mental health service. Most often, this is a neurodevelopmental or community mental health service. There might be a long wait for an evaluation but you can accelerate the process by doing certain things.
Prior to your ADHD assessment It is likely that you will be asked to complete questionnaires to determine the frequency with which you experience certain symptoms and how difficult they are. The doctor who is conducting your assessment will also want to be aware of whether you've experienced these symptoms since childhood, and they may ask for old school reports or other evidence from family members.
The doctor will make sure that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two different areas of your lives. This could mean you lose your job because of poor time management, experiencing major conflicts and discontent in your relationship, or slipping into financial difficulties due to the impulsive spending.
A medical exam will be carried out before your assessment to determine if there are any other medical conditions that might be responsible for the symptoms you've been experiencing, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders. They'll also ensure that you don't have any other physical limitations like a learning disability or hearing loss.
If you decide to have a private assessment, it's a good idea to check whether your doctor will sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with the clinic you have selected. The clinic will submit paperwork to your GP to allow you to return to your NHS provider to receive treatment. This will include medication and CBT.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing experience for those who have lived with the symptoms all their lives. It can help explain why they have been struggling and provide hope for the future. However, a diagnosis may bring about a variety of emotions that can be difficult to deal with.
A private ADHD assessment by a qualified psychiatrist will help you get a diagnosis and get the right treatment for your symptoms. They will use different methods to evaluate your symptoms, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales and more. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily functioning. They might also ask for information from family members or friends.
They will then utilize this evidence to make a diagnosis decision. They will examine how your ADHD symptoms affect your life and whether they are causing significant impairment. They will also check if you have any other mental health issues that might cause similar symptoms. If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will usually prescribe medication. They may also ask if you would like to look into other options like CBT or other non-pharmacological treatments.
Medication can be very helpful for people with ADHD, but it's not an effective treatment. Managing the side effects of ADHD medications can be challenging, and it's important to follow the advice of your doctor.
In England last year the number of adults who were prescribed medication for ADHD than children. This is a big increase over previous years, and it's even more pronounced due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This rise in prescribing is primarily due to the availability of drugs that were previously only available for children. The most commonly prescribed drugs are methylphenidate as well as lisdexamfetamine.
We suggest speaking with your GP to learn more about what the NHS offers prior to requesting an individual ADHD assessment. They should be more than happy to refer you for an ADHD assessment, however there may be long waiting lists. If this is the case, you can 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 cannot refuse to diagnose it.
CBT
An ADHD diagnosis can be a major life-changing event for adults. Many people report that it helps them understand their differences and provides an explanation for the challenges they have faced throughout their lives. It can be a very difficult condition to manage. People suffering from ADHD are often struggling with work, relationships, and studies. They may feel frustrated and misunderstood. It can be beneficial to speak to other people who suffer from ADHD and to remember that you're not isolated.
The best way to get diagnosed with ADHD is to visit an expert psychologist or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose adult ADHD in the UK. However, you may encounter difficulties when trying to get a diagnosis. Doctors, nurses and psychologists may be ignorant of the condition and may respond with anti-ADHD prejudice. You may need to try many times before you finally find an expert who has the necessary knowledge and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your visit, your psychiatrist will want to determine if your symptoms result in significant impairment. They will ask about your symptoms and how they impact your life, and whether you have an ancestral history of ADHD. They will also want to rule out conditions such as thyroid issues, depression or thyroid problems, which can have similar symptoms to ADHD. They will likely utilize ratings scales and questionnaires to evaluate ADHD symptoms. However, they will not rely solely on these to determine a diagnosis.
After the assessment Your psychiatrist will talk with you and decide on a treatment plan. You could be prescribed medication, but your doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychological treatments. Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually delivered face-to-face, but can be delivered via phone or online.
CBT helps you modify your behavior and thinking processes to minimize the negative effects of ADHD symptoms. It can also teach you to deal with difficult feelings like shame or embarrassment. CBT can teach you techniques that will help you manage your symptoms. For example, time management 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, including medication and talking therapies. There are many services to help you at work, at the classroom or at home. If you are unable to work due to your ADHD, the Access to Work scheme can offer financial and practical assistance. The scheme will help with things like job coaching and training and is aimed at adults with ADHD who are in paid work. There are also charities which can help you get back into work or find an opportunity to work. The ADD UK website has a list of organisations. Pharmacy Direct can help you with the cost of your medication.
If your GP doesn't have the time or know-how to give you an ADHD assessment, you can ask for an appointment with a specialist doctor. This may require an in-depth examination, physical examination and interviews with those who know you. You will need to provide specific details about your symptoms and the length of time they've been present. They should be sure that your issues are not caused by another condition such as an anxiety disorder.
GPs and healthcare professionals need to know the differences between ADHD symptoms for adults and children, and how they change over time. It's a good idea to prepare for the assessment by recording your symptoms and how they have affected you, specifically in childhood. You can also write down any issues you have in your personal life. For instance, if you struggle with organizing your home or getting along with other people It could be beneficial to bring details of these.
You can try to get an NHS diagnosis for ADHD but it is usually an extremely long process. NHS GPs and specialists do not have a thorough understanding of the condition and they are often not well-equipped. Private psychiatrists are the best choice. They are more likely to be familiar with ADHD in adults, and can screen you for other mental health issues like depression. If needed, they can provide letters of recommendation to your workplace or school. Prices vary between countries, but in London they typically are between PS500 and PS1,200.