Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Getting an adhd diagnosis as an adult can be challenging. NHS services are not funded, and referrals for assessments can take a long time.
A psychiatrist will confirm that symptoms were present since childhood (old school records may aid) and will inquire about co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression. Private therapy can be more professional, faster and more sensitive.
How to get a diagnosis
It is recommended to speak with your GP if you are struggling to keep up with your home or at work and if you have a tendency to frequently lose your keys or struggle to keep in contact with your family. While diagnosis for adhd of people suffering from ADHD don't have an official diagnosis, it is the most common mental health issue in the UK. The good news is that obtaining an accurate diagnosis and undergoing treatment can help you get your life back on track.
If your physician believes you may have ADHD, he or she will recommend you to a suitable mental health provider. Often, this is an adult neurodevelopmental or community mental health service. There may be a lengthy wait for an assessment however, you can accelerate the process by doing certain things.
You may be required to complete the questionnaire prior to the ADHD assessment. This will ask you how often you experience specific symptoms and how difficult they are. The psychiatrist who will conduct your assessment will also need to know if you've had these symptoms from childhood, so they may ask for old school reports or other evidence from family members.
The doctor will ensure that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two different areas of your lives. This could mean losing your job due to poor time management, having significant conflict and stress in your relationship, or slipping into financial trouble because of the impulsive spending.
A medical exam will be conducted prior to your examination to rule out any other medical conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms you've been experiencing, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. They will also check to find out if you have other physical limitations, such as hearing loss or a learning disability.
If you are considering having a private assessment it is recommended that you check with your GP to see if they are willing to sign an "Shared Care Agreement" with the clinic you choose. 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 is a life-changing moment for those who have lived with the symptoms throughout their lives. It can explain a lot of things about why they've been struggling, and can also provide hope for the future. A diagnosis can trigger many emotions.
A private ADHD assessment with a specialist psychiatrist is the best method to obtain a diagnosis, and ensure that you get the right treatment to alleviate your symptoms. They will use various methods to determine your symptoms, such as symptom checklists and scales for assessing your behaviour. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also request information from relatives or friends.
They will then utilize this evidence to make a diagnosis decision. They will examine how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and if they are causing significant impairment. They will also look into whether 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 you want to consider alternatives, like CBT or other non-pharmacological methods.
The medication can be extremely beneficial for people with ADHD. However, it is not an effective treatment. The management of the side effects of ADHD medications can be a challenge and it's crucial to follow the advice of your doctor.
In England in the last year, adults were prescribed more ADHD medications than children. This is a significant rise compared to previous years, and is now even more evident after the outbreak of Covid-19. This rise in prescriptions is due to the availability of drugs previously only available to children. The most commonly prescribed medications are methylphenidate as well as lisdexamfetamine.
We recommend that you speak with your GP to learn more about what the NHS can offer you prior to requesting a private ADHD evaluation. They'll be happy to refer you to an ADHD assessment, but there may be long waiting lists. If this is the case, you can print off a support letter from ADHD UK to take to your appointment. The letter states that only a specialist physician can diagnose ADHD and they can't refuse to do so.
CBT
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the course of life of an adult. Many find it gives an explanation for their difficulties throughout their lives and help them understand why they are different. It can be a difficult condition to manage. People who suffer from ADHD often have difficulties in their relationships, at work, and in their studies. They can feel misunderstood and unhappy with themselves. It is helpful to seek help from people who suffer from ADHD, and it is important to remember that you are not alone.
The best way to get diagnosed with ADHD is to consult a specialist psychologist or psychiatrist. In the UK they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose adult ADHD. You might have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes, GPs, psychologists, and nurses are not aware of the disorder, and they might react with anti-ADHD prejudice. It may be necessary to try several times before you find an expert who has the required experience and knowledge in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
During your appointment the psychiatrist will determine whether your symptoms are causing you to suffer from impairment. They will ask you about your symptoms, how they impact your life, and also if you have an family history of ADHD in your family. They will also ask you to rule out other 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 determine ADHD symptoms. However, they will not rely solely on these to diagnose.
After the assessment Your psychiatrist will then discuss and determine 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 behavioral therapy is extremely effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually delivered face-toface, but can also be provided over the phone or online.
CBT helps you change your behaviour and thought processes to lessen the negative effects of your ADHD symptoms. It can teach you how to manage distressing emotions such as shame or embarrassment. In addition, CBT can teach you strategies to manage your symptoms, like self-care and time management.
Support
Help is available for those who 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 as well as your school and the home life. If you're unable to work due to ADHD or other mental disorder, the Access to Work scheme can offer financial and practical assistance. The scheme will provide things like job coaching and training, and is targeted towards adults with ADHD who are in paid employment. There are charities that can assist you in finding a job or get back to work. The ADD UK website has a list of organizations. Pharmacy Direct can help you with the cost of your medication.
If your GP doesn't have the time or know-how to provide you with an ADHD assessment, you may request a referral to a specialist doctor. This could involve an extensive examination, physical examination and interviews with people who know you. You will need to provide details regarding your symptoms and the length of time they've been present. They will need to be sure that your issues are not better explained by another condition such as a mood disorder.
Healthcare professionals and doctors will need to be aware of the differences between adult and child ADHD symptoms, and how those symptoms may change over the years. It is a good idea to prepare for the assessment by recording examples of your symptoms and how they've affected you, particularly in childhood. You may also write down any issues you face in your life. For instance, if you have trouble organising your home or interacting with other people it might be helpful to document these issues.
You can try to get an NHS diagnosis for ADHD but this is often an extended process. NHS doctors and specialists do not have a thorough understanding of the condition and are often under resourced. The best option is to visit a private psychiatrist. They are more likely to be familiar with ADHD in adults and screen you for mental health problems like depression. If necessary, they'll also send recommendations to your employer or school. Prices vary between countries, but in London they generally range between PS500 and PS1,200.