Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Getting an adhd diagnosis as an adult can be difficult. NHS services are underfunded and referrals to tests can take an extended time.
After being referred, a psychiatrist will be looking to confirm that symptoms were present since childhood (old school reports can help) and will also ask about co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety. Private treatment is more professional, faster and more understanding.
How can I get a diagnosis?
It is recommended to speak with your GP if you are struggling to keep up with your tasks at work or home, if you frequently lose your keys, or if you have difficulty staying in touch with your family. While a lot of people suffering from ADHD do not have an official diagnosis, it is the most frequent mental health problem in the UK. how to get diagnosed with adhd uk is getting a diagnosis that is accurate and beginning treatment can help you get back on the right track.
If your doctor believes you may have ADHD, he or she will refer you to an appropriate mental health clinic. Often, this is a neurodevelopmental or community mental health service. It may be a long wait to get an assessment however there are a few things you can do to help speed up the process.
You may be required to complete the questionnaire prior to the ADHD assessment. It will ask you how often you experience specific symptoms and how difficult they are. The psychiatrist who conducts your assessment might also request old school records or other evidence of symptoms you've experienced since childhood.
The psychiatrist will also want you to be sure that your condition causes significant impairment in at least two aspects 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 excessive spending.
A medical exam will be performed prior to your examination to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms you've been experiencing, for instance thyroid problems or seizure disorders. They will also want to make sure that you do not have other physical limitations like a learning disability or hearing loss.
If you decide to undergo an assessment in private it is a good idea to check whether your doctor will sign the 'Shared Care Agreement' with the clinic you have chosen. This means the clinic will send paperwork to your GP to allow you to return to your NHS provider to receive treatment. This will include medications and CBT.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for those who have struggled with the symptoms throughout their lives. It can help them understand the reasons why they've struggled and give them hope for their future. A diagnosis can trigger many emotions.
A private ADHD assessment by a qualified psychiatrist can help you obtain a diagnosis and the right treatment for your symptoms. They will employ various methods to assess your symptoms, such as symptom checklists and scales of behaviour. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily functioning. They might also request information from family members or friends.
The doctor will then apply the evidence to come up with the diagnosis. They will look at the way your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and whether 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 will prescribe medication. They will also discuss with you whether or not you want to consider other options, such as CBT or other non-pharmacological treatments.
The medication can be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD. However it's not a cure. It can be difficult to manage the side effects of ADHD medication. It is essential to adhere to the instructions of your doctor.
In England in the last year adults were prescribed more ADHD medications than children. This is a significant increase in comparison to previous years, and is now even more evident after the outbreak of Covid-19. The increase in prescriptions is mainly due the availability of drugs previously available only for children. The most commonly prescribed medications are methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
We suggest that you talk with your GP to find out what the NHS offers before you seek an independent ADHD assessment. They should be happy to refer you to an ADHD assessment, however there could be long waiting lists. If this is the case, print a support letter from ADHD UK to take to your appointment. The letter explains how only a specialist can diagnose ADHD and they can't refuse.
CBT
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of an adult. Many people feel it provides an explanation for their difficulties throughout their lives and can aid them in understanding how they differ. It can be a very difficult condition to manage. People suffering from ADHD are often struggling with interactions, jobs and in their studies. They can feel judged and frustrated with themselves. It can be beneficial to speak to other people who suffer from ADHD and to remember that you're not alone.
The best way to diagnose ADHD is by consulting a psychologist or psychiatrist who is a specialist. In the UK they are the only healthcare professionals competent to diagnose adult ADHD. However, you may have issues trying to get a diagnosis. Sometimes, GPs, psychologists, and nurses are not aware of the disorder, and they might react with prejudices against those who suffer from ADHD. You may need to go through several times before finding a doctor with the right knowledge and experience of diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your appointment the psychiatrist will try to evaluate whether your symptoms result in significant impairment. They will ask about your symptoms, how they have affected your life, and if you have an ancestral history of ADHD. They will also rule out other conditions like depression, anxiety, and thyroid issues, which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. They will probably use questionnaires and rating scales to assess your ADHD symptoms however they won't solely rely on these to establish an assessment.
After the clinical assessment, your psychiatrist will discuss and decide on the treatment plan. You could be offered medication, however your doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other psychological treatments. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be very effective for treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually provided in person, however it can also be provided via the internet or by phone.
CBT helps you modify your thinking patterns and behavior to reduce the negative effects of ADHD symptoms. It can teach you how to manage distressing feelings like shame or embarrassment. CBT can also teach you skills that will help you manage your symptoms. For instance, time management and self care.
Support
Assistance is available if you have not been diagnosed with ADHD. Talking therapies are available as are medications and other treatments. There are also services which can help you in your work as well as your school and the home life. The Access to Work scheme offers financial and practical assistance to those who are not able to find a job due to ADHD. The scheme can pay for things such as job coaching and training, and is targeted towards adults with ADHD who are in paid employment. There are also charities that can assist you in getting back to work or find the right job. The ADD UK website has a list of organizations. You can also seek help in determining the cost of medication through the Pharmacy Direct service.
You can request your GP to refer you to a specialist if they do not have the time or expertise to assess ADHD. This will likely involve more extensive assessments, a physical examination and interviews with people who know you. You will need to provide specific details about your symptoms as well as the length of time they've been present. They must be certain that your symptoms aren't caused by a different illness, for example a mood disorder.
Healthcare professionals and doctors are required to be aware of the differences between adults and children's ADHD symptoms and how the symptoms can change over the years. You can prepare for your assessment by writing down a few examples of symptoms you have encountered and how they affected you. This is especially important if the symptoms were experienced in childhood. You can also write down any problems in your life. Bring details if you, for instance, are having trouble organizing your home or interacting with other people.
You can try to get an assessment from the NHS for ADHD however, it is usually a lengthy process. NHS GPs, specialists and other healthcare professionals are typically inadequately staffed and lack the knowledge of ADHD. The best solution is to see an individual psychiatrist. They are more likely to be familiar with ADHD in adults and will screen you for mental health problems like depression. They may also send recommendations to your work or school when needed. Prices vary, but generally range from PS500 to PS1,200 in London.