Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
It is often difficult to obtain an adhd diagnosis when you are older. NHS services are not funded and there can be long wait times before being assessed.
A psychiatrist will confirm that symptoms were present since childhood (old school records may help), and will ask about co-morbidities like depression and anxiety. A private route could be a faster and more thorough service.
How can I get a diagnosis?
You should talk to your GP in case you're having difficulty keeping up with your tasks at home or at work and if you have a tendency to lose your keys often or struggle to keep in contact with your family. ADHD is the most prevalent mental disorder in the UK and yet many adults don't know they have it. The good news is getting a diagnosis that is accurate and beginning treatment will help you get back on track.
If your GP agrees that you might have ADHD, they will refer you to a mental health service. It is usually an adult neurodevelopmental or community mental health service. It can be a long time to wait for an assessment but there are things you can do to speed the process.
Before you undergo your ADHD assessment is completed, you will be asked to answer questionnaires to determine how often you experience specific symptoms and how distressing they are. The psychiatrist conducting your assessment will also want to be aware of whether you've suffered from these symptoms from childhood, so they might ask for older school reports or evidence from family members.
The psychiatrist will also want to make sure that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at the very least two areas of your life. This could be losing your job because of ineffective time management, having a lot of stress and conflict in your relationship, or getting into financial trouble due to the impulse to buy.
Before your assessment is completed, a medical exam will be conducted to rule out any medical conditions that could cause symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorder. They will also check to determine if you suffer from any other physical impairments, like hearing loss or a learning disability.
If you are considering having an individual assessment, it's an excellent idea to check with your GP whether they will sign a "Shared Care Agreement" with the clinic you choose. This means that the clinic will send your GP with the paperwork that allows you to go back to your NHS provider to receive treatment, which includes medication and CBT therapy.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for adults who have suffered with the disorder throughout their lives. It can help them understand why they have been struggling and give them hope for their future. A diagnosis can trigger many difficult feelings.
A private ADHD assessment with a specialist psychiatrist is the best method to obtain an assessment and ensure that you can receive the proper treatment for your symptoms. They will use various methods to determine your symptoms, such as symptom checklists and scales of behaviour. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. They may also ask for information from family members or friends.
They will then use the evidence to make a diagnosis decision. They will consider how your ADHD symptoms impact your life and whether they are causing significant impairment. They will also determine if you have any other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms. If they decide that you have ADHD they'll usually prescribe medication. They will also discuss with you whether you want to consider other options, such as CBT or other non-pharmacological methods.
It can be extremely beneficial for those suffering from ADHD however it's not an answer. The management of the side effects of ADHD medication can be difficult and it's essential to follow the doctor's recommendations.
In England last year there were more adults prescribed medicines for ADHD 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 mainly due the availability of drugs previously only available to children. The most frequently prescribed medications are methylphenidate hydrochloride as well as lisdexamfeta dimesylate.
We recommend that you speak with your GP to learn more about what the NHS offers before you request an individual 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, 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 cannot refuse to do so.
CBT
An ADHD diagnosis can be a major life-changing event for adults. Many people find that it helps them understand their differences and gives an explanation for the difficulties they've faced throughout their lives. However, it can be a very difficult issue to deal with. People who suffer from ADHD are often struggling with interactions, jobs, and studies. They may feel unappreciated and frustrated with themselves. It can be beneficial to seek out support from other people who have ADHD It is important to remember that you are not alone.
The best way to be diagnosed with ADHD is to consult a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals qualified to diagnose adult ADHD in the UK. However, you may encounter difficulty when trying to get a diagnosis. Sometimes doctors, psychologists and nurses aren't aware of the disorder, and they may be prone to react with a prejudice against people who have ADHD. You might need to go through several times before finding a doctor with the right knowledge and experience of diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your appointment, your psychiatrist will want to determine whether your issues cause significant impairment. They will inquire about your symptoms and how they have affected your life, and if you have a family history of ADHD. They will also ask you to rule out any conditions such as thyroid issues, depression and anxiety as well as thyroid issues, which can have similar symptoms as ADHD. They will likely utilize rating scales and questionnaires to determine your ADHD symptoms however they won't rely on these alone to determine an assessment.
After the clinical evaluation Your psychiatrist will then discuss and decide on a treatment plan. You could be offered medication, however your doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy is very effective for treating ADHD symptoms. It is typically delivered in person, but it is also possible to receive it via the internet or by phone.
CBT assists you in changing your behavior and thinking processes to reduce the negative effects of ADHD symptoms. adult diagnosis adhd teaches you to deal with difficult feelings of shame or embarrassment, for example. CBT can also teach you skills that will assist you in managing your symptoms. For example managing your time and self-care.
Support
Help is available for those who have not been diagnosed with ADHD. Talking therapies are available, along with medication and other treatments. There are many services to help you at work, at school or at home. If you are unable to work due to your 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 can cover things like job coaching and training. There are many charities that can assist you in finding an employment opportunity or return to work. The ADD UK website has a list of organisations. Pharmacy Direct can help you with the cost of your medication.
If your GP does not have the time or expertise to provide you with an ADHD assessment, you can ask for a referral to an expert doctor. This will likely involve a longer assessment as well as physical examinations and a discussion with those who know you. The GP will require complete information from you about your symptoms, the length of time they've been present and their impact on you. They must ensure that your symptoms are not caused by a different condition like a mental disorder.
GPs and healthcare professionals should be aware of the differences between ADHD symptoms in adults and children and how they can change over time. You can prepare for your test by writing down some examples of symptoms you have encountered and how they affected you. This is especially important if the symptoms occurred in your childhood. You may also provide written information about any problems you have in your life. Bring details if you are having trouble organizing your home or interacting well with others.
You can try to get 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. Private psychiatrists are the best choice. They are likely to be more experienced with ADHD in adults, and can examine you for any other mental health conditions like depression. They can also provide recommendation letters to your school or work if needed. Prices vary between countries, but in London they generally vary between PS500 and PS1,200.