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 a long time.
Once referred, a psychiatrist will be looking to confirm that the symptoms were present since the time of childhood (old school reports could aid) and will also inquire about co-morbidities like anxiety and depression. Private therapy can be more professional, faster and more sensitive.
How to obtain a medical diagnosis
If you're struggling to keep up with your tasks at home or at work, losing your keys frequently or have difficulty keeping in touch with family members, it could be worth talking to your GP regarding possible ADHD. While a lot of people suffering from ADHD do not have a diagnosis, it is the most frequent mental health problem in the UK. The good news is that obtaining a proper diagnosis and starting treatment can help you get back in order.
If your GP believes that you might have ADHD, he or she will send you to a suitable mental health clinic. This could be an in-person mental health clinic or an specialized neurodevelopmental service. It could be a long time to wait for an assessment however there are a few things you can do to help speed the process.
You may be required to complete a questionnaire before you undergo your ADHD assessment. It will ask you how often you experience certain symptoms and how distressing these are. The psychiatrist conducting your assessment will also want be aware of whether you've had these symptoms since childhood, and they might ask for old school reports or evidence from relatives.
The doctor will ensure that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two aspects of your lives. This could mean you lose your job due to inadequate time management, causing major conflict and distress in your relationship, or slipping into financial trouble due to the impulsive spending.
Before you are assessed, a medical examination will be conducted to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing symptoms such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorder. They'll also ensure that you do not have other physical limitations like a learning disability or hearing loss.
If you opt to have an assessment in private it is an excellent idea to ensure that your GP will accept a 'Shared Care Agreement' with the clinic you have chosen. This means that 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 disorder throughout their lives. It can provide a number of reasons why they've been struggling, and also give them hope for the future. However, a diagnosis could cause a lot of emotions that are difficult to manage.
A private ADHD assessment with an expert psychiatrist is the best way to get a diagnosis, and ensure that you can get the right treatment for your symptoms. They will employ various methods to evaluate your symptoms, including symptom checklists and scales of behaviour. They will also ask you to describe how your symptoms affect your daily functioning, and may request information from your family members or friends.
The doctor will then use the evidence to come up with the diagnosis. getting a adhd diagnosis will examine the way your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life and whether they are causing you significant impairment. They will also look into whether you have any other mental health issues that might 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 methods.
The use of medication can be extremely beneficial for those suffering from ADHD however, it's not an effective treatment. It can be challenging to manage the negative effects of ADHD medication. It is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor.
In England, last year adults were prescribed more ADHD medication than children. This is a significant increase in comparison to previous years, and is now even more evident after the Covid-19 pandemic. The increase in prescriptions is due to the availability of drugs that were previously reserved for children. The most frequently prescribed drugs are methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
If you're interested in an individual ADHD assessment, we recommend you speak to your GP first to find out what the NHS can provide you with. You should be able receive an ADHD assessment that is recommended by your GP, but there may be a long waiting list. If this is the case, print a letter of support from ADHD UK to take to your appointment. The letter explains that only a specialist physician can diagnose ADHD, and they cannot refuse to diagnose it.
CBT
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the life of an adult. Many people report that it helps them comprehend their differences and provides an explanation for the struggles they've had to face throughout their lives. It can be a difficult condition to manage. People with ADHD have difficulty in their relationships, work and academics. They can feel misunderstood and unhappy with themselves. It can be beneficial to seek help from people who have ADHD and it is important to remember that you're not the only one.
The best way to get diagnosed with ADHD is to consult an expert psychiatrist or psychologist. In the UK they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose adult ADHD. You might have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. Sometimes doctors, psychologists and nurses are unaware of the condition, and they may react with a prejudice against people who have ADHD. It may be necessary to try many times before you finally find a specialist who has the necessary knowledge and experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
During your appointment the psychiatrist will try to evaluate whether your symptoms result in significant impairment. They will ask you about your symptoms, the impact they have on your life, and if you have any background of ADHD in your family. They will also ask you to rule out other conditions like depression, thyroid issues or thyroid problems that may have similar symptoms as ADHD. They may use questionnaires and rating scales to determine your ADHD symptoms, but they will not use these alone to establish a diagnosis.
After the clinical evaluation the psychiatrist will talk about the findings and determine the best treatment plan. They'll likely recommend medication, but they may also recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other treatments for the mind. Cognitive behavioral therapy is extremely effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is typically delivered face-to-face, but can also be offered over the phone or via online.
CBT helps you modify your behavior and thinking processes to minimize the negative effects of ADHD symptoms. It can teach you how to deal with difficult emotions like shame or embarrassment. CBT can also teach you skills that will help you manage your symptoms. For example, time management and self care.
Support
Help is available if you have undiagnosed ADHD. Talking therapies are available along with medication and other treatments. There are services that can assist you at work, in the classroom or at home. If you are unable to work due to ADHD The Access to Work scheme can provide financial and practical help. This scheme is specifically designed for adults with ADHD in paid employment and may cover things such as job coaching and training. There are charities that can assist you in getting back to work or locate an opportunity to work. The ADD UK website has a list of organisations. You can also seek help with the cost of medication through the Pharmacy Direct service.
If your GP isn't able to spare the time or knowledge to conduct an ADHD assessment, you may ask for a referral to a specialist doctor. This will likely involve more extensive assessments, a physical examination and interviews with people who know you. You'll need to provide specific details about your symptoms and how long they've been present. They will need to be sure that your issues are not caused by a different illness, for example a mood disorder.
GPs and healthcare professionals must be aware of the differentiators between ADHD symptoms in children and adults, and how they may change as time passes. You can prepare for your test by writing down instances of symptoms you've experienced and how they affected you. This is especially important if the symptoms occurred during childhood. You can also write down any issues you have in your personal life. Bring details if you are having trouble organizing your home or interacting well with your friends.
You can try to obtain an assessment from the NHS for ADHD but it's generally a lengthy process. NHS GPs and specialists are not knowledgeable about the condition and they are often not well-equipped. Private psychiatrists are the best choice. They are more likely to be experienced with ADHD in adults, and will screen you for other mental health conditions like depression. If required, they will also provide recommendation letters to your work or school. Costs vary, but typically vary from PS500 to PS1,200 in London.