Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Getting an adhd diagnosis as an adult can be challenging. NHS services aren't funded and referrals to tests can take quite a while.
If referred to a psychiatrist, they will need to confirm if symptoms were present since childhood (old school reports may aid) and will also inquire about co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety. Private treatment can be more efficient, faster and more sensitive.
How do you get a medical diagnosis
If you're struggling to keep up with tasks at home or at work, losing your keys frequently or are having trouble communicating with family members, it might be a good idea to talk to your GP about the possibility of ADHD. While a lot of people suffering from ADHD don't have an official diagnosis, it is the most frequent mental health condition in the UK. The good news is that getting a diagnosis that is accurate and beginning treatment will allow you to get back on the right track.
If your physician 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 can be a long wait for an assessment but there are ways to speed up the process.
Before your ADHD assessment is completed, you'll be asked to fill out questionnaires that rate how often you experience specific symptoms and how difficult they are. The psychiatrist conducting your assessment will also need to be aware of whether you've had these symptoms since childhood, so they may request older school reports or evidence from family members.
getting a adhd diagnosis will make sure that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your life. This could include losing your job due to poor time management, having a lot of stress and conflict in your relationship, or getting into financial trouble due to impulsive purchases.
A medical examination will also be carried out before your examination to eliminate 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 see if you have any other physical limitations, such as hearing loss or a learning disabilities.
If you choose to go for an assessment in private it's an excellent idea to ensure that your GP will accept the 'Shared Care Agreement' with the clinic you've chosen. This means that the clinic will send your GP with the required paperwork to allow you to return to your NHS provider to receive treatment, which will include medication and CBT therapy.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for adults who have struggled all their lives with symptoms of this disorder. It can help to explain why they have been struggling and offer hope for their future. However, a diagnosis can bring about a variety of emotions that can be difficult to handle.
Having a private ADHD assessment with an expert psychiatrist is the best method to obtain a diagnosis, and ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. They will employ a variety of methods to determine your symptoms, such as symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales and more. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may request information from friends or family members.
They will then use this evidence to make a diagnosis decision. They will look at how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life and if they are causing significant impairment. They will also consider whether you suffer from other mental health issues that may cause similar symptoms. If they determine that you have ADHD, they will prescribe medication. They will also ask if you would like to look into other options such as CBT and other non-pharmacological methods.
The medication can be extremely beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. However, it is not an answer to the problem. Controlling the adverse effects of ADHD medications can be challenging, and it's important to follow your doctor's advice.
In England, this year, adults were prescribed more ADHD medications than children. This is a significant increase on previous years, and is even more so since the Covid-19 pandemic. The rise in prescriptions is primarily due to the availability of medications that were previously only available to children. The most commonly prescribed drugs are methylphenidate Hydrochloride and Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.
We suggest speaking with your GP to find out what the NHS has to offer before you seek a private ADHD evaluation. You should be able get an ADHD assessment recommended by your doctor, however there could be a long waiting list. You can print out the letter of support from ADHD UK and take it to your appointment in the event that this is the case. The letter states that only a specialist physician can diagnose ADHD and they are not able to refuse to do so.
CBT
An ADHD diagnosis can be a life-changing event for adults. Many find that it helps them understand their differences and provides an explanation for the challenges they've had to face throughout their lives. It can be a very difficult condition to manage. People suffering from ADHD frequently have issues with their relationships, work, and studies. They can feel misunderstood and unhappy with themselves. It is helpful to seek out support from other people who suffer from ADHD and it is important to remember that you're not alone.
The best method to be diagnosed with ADHD is to consult a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals certified to diagnose adult ADHD in the UK. However, you may encounter difficulty when trying to obtain a diagnosis. Doctors, nurses and psychologists can be ignorant of the condition and might react with an anti-ADHD prejudice. You may need to make repeated attempts before finding a specialist with appropriate knowledge and experience of diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your appointment the psychiatrist will try to determine if your symptoms result in significant impairment. They will ask about your symptoms and how they have affected your life, and whether you have any family history of ADHD. They will also want to rule out other conditions like anxiety, depression, and thyroid issues, which could be associated with similar symptoms as ADHD. They may use questionnaires and ratings scales to evaluate ADHD symptoms. However, they will not use them solely to determine a diagnosis.
Following the clinical assessment Your psychiatrist will talk with you and determine the treatment plan. You could be prescribed medication, but your psychiatrist may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other psychological treatments. Cognitive behavioral therapy is extremely effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually provided in person, however it is also available via the internet or by phone.
CBT can help you modify your behavior and thinking processes to minimize the negative effects of your ADHD symptoms. It can also teach you to cope with distressing feelings of shame or embarrassment, for example. CBT can also teach you skills that can help you manage your symptoms. For instance, time management and self-care.
Support
Help is available if you are not sure if you have ADHD. Talking therapies are available, along with medication and other treatments. There are also services which can support your workplace, school and family life. If you're unable to work due to ADHD, the Access to Work scheme can provide financial and practical help. The scheme can pay for things such as job coaching and training, and is targeted towards adults with ADHD who are in paid work. There are many charities that can assist you in finding a job or get back to work. The ADD UK site has a list. 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 the referral to an expert doctor. This will likely involve an extended assessment as well as physical examinations and interviews with people who know you. The GP will require specific information from you regarding your symptoms, the length of time they have been present and their impact on you. They should be sure that your issues are not caused by a different condition, such as a mood disorder.
Doctors and other healthcare professionals are required to be aware of the differentiators between adults and children's ADHD symptoms, and how those symptoms can change over the years. You can prepare for your test by writing down some instances of symptoms you've experienced and how they affected you. This is particularly important if the symptoms were experienced in your childhood. You can also write down any issues you have in your personal life. For example, if you struggle with organizing your home or making friends with your friends, it may be useful to document these issues.
You can attempt to obtain an NHS diagnosis for ADHD but this is often a lengthy process. NHS doctors, specialists and other healthcare professionals are usually under-resourced and have little knowledge of ADHD. The best choice is to see a private psychiatrist. They will likely be more acquainted with ADHD in adults and screen for mental health issues like depression. They can also offer recommendations to your school or work should you require. Costs vary, but typically vary from PS500 to PS1,200 in London.