Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Being diagnosed with adhd as an adult can be challenging. NHS services are not funded and there may be long wait times to be assessed.
If referred to a psychiatrist, they will be looking to confirm that the symptoms have been present since childhood (old school reports can aid) and will also ask about co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression. A private route can be a quicker, more understanding and professional service.
How do you receive a medical diagnosis?
If you're having trouble keeping up with tasks at work or at home, are losing your keys often or have difficulty keeping in touch with family members, it could be a good idea to talk to your GP about the possibility of ADHD. ADHD is the most common mental illness in the UK and yet most adults don't realize they suffer from it. The good news is getting a diagnosis that is accurate and beginning treatment will help you get back on the right track.
If your GP agrees that you might have ADHD and they suggest you to a mental health service. Most often, this is an a community or neurodevelopmental mental health service. There may be a lengthy wait for an assessment, but you can speed up the process by doing certain things.
You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire before your ADHD assessment. The questionnaire will ask how often you experience certain symptoms and how distressing these are. The psychiatrist who conducts your assessment might also ask for documents from your school or other evidence of symptoms you've experienced since childhood.
The psychiatrist will ensure that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two aspects of your life. This could include losing your job due to ineffective time management, having major stress and conflict in your relationship, or falling into financial problems due to impulsive purchases.
A medical examination will be carried out before your exam to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could be the cause of the symptoms you've been experiencing, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. They will also check to determine if you suffer from any other physical disabilities such as hearing loss or a learning disabilities.
If you choose to undergo a private assessment it is a good idea that you check with your GP if they will accept a "Shared Care Agreement" with the clinic you prefer. This means that the clinic will write to your GP with the required paperwork to allow you to return to your NHS provider for treatment. This will include CBT and medication therapy.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for those who have fought all their lives with symptoms of this disorder. It can help to explain why they've been struggling and provide hope for the future. However, a diagnosis can also bring up lots of emotions that can be difficult to deal with.
A private ADHD assessment by a specialist psychiatrist will help you get a diagnosis and get the best treatment for your symptoms. They will use various methods to assess your symptoms, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. adult adhd diagnoses will also ask you to write about how your symptoms impact your daily life and will request information from your family or friends.
They will then utilize this evidence to make a diagnosis decision. They will examine how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life and determine if they cause 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 usually prescribe medication. adults diagnosed with adhd will also discuss with you whether you want to consider other options, such as CBT or other non-pharmacological treatments.
Medication can be very helpful for people with ADHD however, it's not an effective treatment. Managing the side effects of ADHD medications can be challenging and it's essential to follow the doctor's recommendations.
In England, in the last year adults were prescribed more ADHD medication than children. This is a big increase on previous years, and is even more so following the Covid-19 epidemic. This increase in prescribing is due to the availability of drugs that were previously available only for children. The most commonly used medications are methylphenidate hydrochloride as well as lisdexamfeta dimesylate.
If you want to seek an individual ADHD assessment, we recommend that you talk to your GP first to find out what the NHS can provide you with. You should be able to get an ADHD assessment referred by your GP, but there could be a long waiting list. If this is the case, print a support letter from ADHD UK to take to your appointment. The letter explains that only a specialist doctor 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 people find it provides an explanation for their difficulties throughout their lives and can help them to understand how they differ. However, it can also be a very difficult issue to deal with. People who suffer from ADHD are often struggling with relationships, work and academics. They can feel judged and frustrated with themselves. It is helpful to seek out support from other people who have ADHD and it is important to remember that you're not alone.
The best method to be diagnosed with ADHD is to visit a specialist psychologist or psychiatrist. In the UK they are the only healthcare professionals qualified to diagnose adult ADHD. However, you may have issues trying to obtain a diagnosis. Sometimes, GPs, psychologists, and nurses aren't aware of the condition, and they may be prone to react with a prejudice against people who have ADHD. It is possible to have to try several times before finding a specialist with the appropriate knowledge and experience of diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your appointment the psychiatrist will try to evaluate whether your symptoms cause significant impairment. They will ask about your symptoms and how they have affected your life, and if you have any family history of ADHD. They will also rule out other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues, which can be associated with similar symptoms as ADHD. They may utilize rating scales and questionnaires to assess your ADHD symptoms, but they will not rely on these alone to determine a diagnosis.
Following the clinical evaluation, your psychiatrist will discuss the results and then decide on the best treatment plan. You will probably be prescribed medication, but your doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be extremely effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is typically delivered face-to-face however it can be delivered over the phone or via online.
CBT helps you change your thinking and behavior to lessen the negative effects of your ADHD symptoms. It can teach you how to deal with difficult emotions such as shame or embarrassment. CBT can also teach you skills that will assist you in managing your symptoms. For instance time management, self-care.
Support
Help is available for those who have not been diagnosed with ADHD. Talking therapies are available as well as medication and other treatments. There are also services that can help you in your work, school and family life. If adults diagnosed with adhd are unable work due to your ADHD The Access to Work scheme can offer financial and practical assistance. The scheme is specifically designed for adults who suffer from ADHD in paid employment and can include things like job coaching and training. There are also charities that can help you get back to work or find the right job. The ADD UK website has a list of charities. You can also get 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 request an appointment with a specialist doctor. This may require an extended assessment as well as physical examinations and interviews with people who know you. You'll have to provide specific details about your symptoms and the length of time they've been present. They should be confident that your problems are not better explained by a different condition, such as an anxiety disorder.
Healthcare professionals and doctors should be aware of the differences between adult and child ADHD symptoms and how the symptoms can change over years. You can prepare for your test by writing down a few instances of symptoms you've encountered, 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 that you face in your daily life. Bring the details if you, for instance, have difficulty organising your home or interacting well with your friends.
You can try to get an NHS diagnosis for ADHD but this is often an extremely long process. NHS GPs and specialists are not knowledgeable about the condition and they are often under-equipped. The best choice is to see private psychiatrists. They are more likely to be familiar with ADHD in adults, and will screen you for other mental health issues like depression. They can also offer recommendations to your school or work should you require. Prices vary, but generally vary from PS500 to PS1,200 in London.