Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Getting an adhd diagnosis as an adult can be difficult. NHS services aren't funded and referrals to tests can take quite a while.
A psychiatrist will confirm that the symptoms are present since childhood (old school records may help) and will inquire about co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression. Private therapy can be more professional, faster and more understanding.
How do you get a diagnosis?
If you're having trouble keeping up with tasks at home or at work, losing your keys frequently, or have difficulty staying in contact with family members, it could be a good idea to talk to your GP about the possibility of ADHD. Although many people with ADHD don't have a diagnosis, it's the most common mental health problem in the UK. The good news is getting a diagnosis that is accurate and beginning treatment will help you get back on the right track.
If your doctor thinks you might have ADHD and they suggest you to a mental health clinic. Often, this is an adult neurodevelopmental or community mental health service. It could be a long time to wait for an assessment, but there are some ways to speed the process.
You might be required to complete the questionnaire prior to your ADHD assessment. This will ask you how often you experience specific symptoms and how difficult they are. The doctor who is conducting your assessment will also want be aware of whether you've experienced these symptoms from childhood, so they may ask for old school reports or other evidence from relatives.
The doctor will confirm that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two aspects of your lives. This could be losing your job due to poor time management, having a lot of stress and conflict in your relationship, or getting into financial difficulties because of the impulse to buy.
A medical examination will be carried out before your exam to eliminate any other medical conditions that might be the cause of the symptoms you've been experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid issues. They will also see if you have any other physical disabilities such as hearing loss or a learning disability.
If you decide to have a private assessment it's an excellent idea to ensure that your GP will accept an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with the clinic you have chosen. This means that the clinic will write to your GP with the necessary paperwork to allow you to return to your NHS provider for treatment. This includes medication and CBT therapy.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing moment for adults who have struggled all their lives with the symptoms of this condition. It can help explain a variety of things about the reasons they've been struggling and can also provide hope for the future. However, a diagnosis could cause a lot of emotions that can be difficult to manage.
A private ADHD assessment with an expert psychiatrist is the best way to get a diagnosis, and ensure that you can receive the proper treatment to alleviate your symptoms. They will employ different methods to evaluate your symptoms, including symptom checklists and scales of behaviour. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. They might also ask for information from friends or family members.
They will then utilize this evidence to make a diagnosing decision. They will look at how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and if they are causing you to suffer from impairment. They will also determine whether you have other mental health problems that can cause similar symptoms. If they determine that you have ADHD they will usually prescribe medication. They will also discuss with you whether or not you want to consider alternative options, such as CBT or other non-pharmacological methods.
The medication can be extremely beneficial for people with ADHD. However getting diagnosed with adhd 's not an answer to the problem. It can be challenging to manage the adverse effects of ADHD medication. It's important that you follow your doctor's instructions.
In England in the last year, adults were prescribed more ADHD medication than children. This is a significant increase in comparison to previous years, and has become even more pronounced following the Covid-19 pandemic. This increase in prescribing is mainly due the availability of drugs previously reserved for children. The most commonly prescribed drugs are methylphenidate as well as lisdexamfetamine.
If you're looking to get a private ADHD assessment, we suggest that you talk to your GP first to find out what the NHS can offer you. They should be happy to refer you to an ADHD assessment, however there may be lengthy waiting lists. You can print out the letter of support from ADHD UK and take it to your appointment if this is the situation. 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 find it gives an explanation for their problems throughout their lives and help them to understand how they differ. It can be a very difficult condition to manage. People with ADHD have difficulty in their relationships, work and in their studies. They can feel misunderstood and unhappy with themselves. It is beneficial to speak to other people who suffer from ADHD and to remind yourself that you're not all on your own.
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 an assessment. Sometimes doctors, psychologists and nurses are not aware of the condition and they may be prone to react with prejudices against those who suffer from ADHD. You may need to go through several times before finding a specialist with appropriate expertise and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your appointment, your psychiatrist will want to determine if your symptoms cause significant impairment. They will inquire about your symptoms, the impact they have on your life, and also if you have any history of ADHD in your family. They will also want to rule out conditions such as depression, thyroid issues and anxiety as well as thyroid issues, which can have similar symptoms to ADHD. They will probably use questionnaires and rating scales to assess your ADHD symptoms but they won't use these alone to determine the diagnosis.
After the clinical assessment Your psychiatrist will then discuss and determine the treatment plan. They will likely offer you medication, but they could also recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is extremely effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually delivered face-to-face but it could also be offered over the phone or via online.
CBT helps you modify your behavior and thinking processes to reduce the negative effects of ADHD symptoms. It can help you learn to cope with distressing feelings like shame or embarrassment. Additionally, CBT can teach you strategies to manage your symptoms, including self-care and time management.
Support
Help is available if you are not sure if you have ADHD. There are many choices for treatment, including medication and talking therapies. There are also services which can help you in your work, school and the home life. If you're unable to work because of your ADHD or other mental disorder, the Access to Work scheme can provide practical and financial assistance. The scheme is specifically designed specifically for adults with ADHD employed in a paid position and can cover things like job coaching and training. There are many charities that can help you find a job or get back to work. The ADD UK site has a list of charities. You can also receive assistance with the cost of medication through the Pharmacy Direct service.
If your GP isn't able to spare the time or expertise to provide you with an ADHD assessment, you can request an appointment with a specialist doctor. This could involve more extensive assessments, a physical examination and a discussion with those who know you. You'll have to provide specific details about your symptoms and how long they've been present for. They should ensure that your symptoms aren't caused by another condition, such as mental illness.
Healthcare professionals and doctors should be aware of the differences between adult and child ADHD symptoms and how these symptoms can change over the years. You can prepare for your exam by writing down a few examples of symptoms you have experienced, and how they affected you. This is particularly important if the symptoms occurred in your childhood. You can also write down any issues you experience in your life. For instance, if have trouble organising your home or getting along with others It could be beneficial to document these issues.
You can attempt to obtain an NHS diagnosis for ADHD however this is often a lengthy process. NHS doctors and specialists do not have a thorough understanding of the condition and are often under resourced. Private psychiatrists are the best choice. They will likely be more knowledgeable about ADHD in adults and can screen for mental health issues such as depression. If required, they will provide letters of recommendation to your workplace or school. Prices vary between countries, but in London they typically are between PS500 and PS1,200.