Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Being diagnosed with adhd as an adult can be difficult. NHS services are underfunded and there can be long wait times to be assessed.
A psychiatrist will confirm that the symptoms were present since childhood (old school records may aid), and will ask about co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression. A private route could be a quicker and more thorough service.
How do you receive a medical diagnosis?
You should talk to your GP if you are having trouble keeping up with your tasks at work or home and if you have a tendency to lose your keys often, or if you have difficulty staying in touch with your family. ADHD is the most common mental illness in the UK and many adults don't know they have it. The good news is getting an accurate diagnosis and beginning treatment can help you get back on track.
If your GP agrees that you may have ADHD they will refer you to a mental health clinic. This could be a community mental health service or a neurodevelopmental specialist. There could be a long wait for an evaluation but you can accelerate the process by doing certain things.
Before you undergo your ADHD assessment It is likely that you will be asked to answer questionnaires that assess the frequency you experience certain symptoms and how difficult they are. The psychiatrist who will conduct your assessment will also want to be aware of whether you've had these symptoms since childhood, so they might ask for old school reports or other evidence from relatives.
The doctor will make sure that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two different areas of your life. This could be losing your job due to poor time management, having a lot of stress and conflict in your relationship, or falling into financial difficulties because of impulse purchases.
A medical examination will be performed prior to your examination to rule out any other medical conditions that might be causing the symptoms you have been experiencing, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. They will also find out if you have other physical impairments, like a hearing loss or learning disabilities.
If you opt to go for an individual assessment it is a good idea to check whether your doctor will sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with the clinic you've chosen. This means that the clinic will write to your GP with the necessary paperwork to permit you to return to your NHS provider for treatment. This will include CBT and medication 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 reasons why they've been struggling, and also give them hope for the future. adult diagnosis adhd can trigger numerous difficult feelings.
Having a private ADHD assessment with an expert psychiatrist is the best way to receive an assessment and ensure that you can get the right treatment for your symptoms. They will employ a variety of methods to determine your symptoms, including symptoms checklists, behavior rating scales and more. They will also ask you to explain how your symptoms impact your daily functioning, and may request information from your family or friends.
The doctor will then apply the evidence to come up with an assessment. They will determine the way your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life and if they are causing you significant impairment. They will also determine whether you have other mental health problems that can cause similar symptoms. If they find that you suffer from ADHD, they will prescribe medication. They will also ask you if you would like to consider other options like CBT or other non-pharmacological treatments.
The medication can be extremely beneficial for people with ADHD. However it's not a cure. Controlling the adverse effects of ADHD medications can be challenging and it's essential to follow your doctor's advice.
In England this year, more adults were prescribed medicines for ADHD than children. This is a significant increase compared to previous years and has gotten more severe after the outbreak of Covid-19. The increase in prescriptions is mostly due to the availability of drugs that were previously only available to children. The most frequently prescribed drugs are methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine.
We recommend that you speak to your GP to learn more about what the NHS has to offer prior to requesting an independent ADHD assessment. They will be more than happy to refer you for an ADHD assessment, but there could be long waiting lists. If this is the case, print off a support letter from ADHD UK to take to your appointment. The letter explains how only a specialist can diagnose ADHD and how they are unable to refuse.
CBT
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the course of life of an adult. Many find that it helps them understand their differences and gives an explanation for the struggles they have faced throughout their lives. It can be a difficult condition to manage. People who suffer from ADHD frequently have issues with their relationships, at work, and in their studies. They may feel angry and are often misunderstood. It can be beneficial to seek out support from other people who have ADHD, and it is important to remember that you are not alone.
The best method to diagnose ADHD is by consulting an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is an expert. In the UK, they are the only healthcare professionals trained to diagnose adult ADHD. However, you could have issues trying to get a diagnosis. Sometimes, GPs, psychologists, and nurses are not aware of the condition and they may react with prejudices against those who suffer from ADHD. You might need to go through several times before finding a specialist with appropriate expertise and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your consultation, your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your symptoms are causing significant impairment. They will inquire about your symptoms, the impact they have on your life, and whether you have any background of ADHD in your family. They will also want to rule out conditions like thyroid issues, depression, anxiety and thyroid problems which may share similar symptoms to ADHD. They will likely utilize questionnaires and ratings scales to determine ADHD symptoms. However they won't use them solely to determine a diagnosis.
Following the clinical evaluation, your psychiatrist will discuss and determine the treatment plan. They'll likely recommend medication, but they could also recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or 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 online.
CBT helps you modify your thinking and behavior to minimize the negative effects of ADHD symptoms. It can also teach you to deal with difficult feelings like shame or embarrassment. CBT can teach you techniques that will assist you in managing your symptoms. For example time management, self-care.
Support
Assistance is available if you are not sure if you have ADHD. There are a variety of talk therapy options available, as well as medication and other treatments. There are also services that can help you in your work as well as your school and home life. The Access to Work scheme offers practical and financial aid to those who are unable to find work due ADHD. The scheme can pay for things such as training and job coaching, and is targeted towards adults with ADHD who are in paid employment. There are many charities which can assist you in finding an employment opportunity or return to work. The ADD UK website has a list of charities. Pharmacy Direct can help you with the cost of your medication.
You could request your GP to refer you to an expert if they don't have the time or skills to evaluate ADHD. This may require an extensive examination, physical exam, and interviews with those who know you. The GP will need to have specific information from you regarding your symptoms, the length of time they have been present and the impact they have on you. They must be sure that your symptoms are not caused by a different condition such as mental illness.
GPs and other healthcare professionals should be aware of the differentiators between adult and child ADHD symptoms and how the symptoms may change over the years. You can prepare for your assessment by writing down a few examples of symptoms you have experienced, and how they affected you. This is particularly important if the symptoms occurred during childhood. It is also possible to write down any issues you have in your personal life. For instance, if you have trouble organising your home or interacting with your friends it might be helpful to bring details of these.
You can try to get an NHS diagnosis for ADHD however this is often an extremely long process. NHS doctors, specialists and other healthcare professionals are typically inadequately staffed and lack the knowledge of ADHD. Private psychiatrists are the best choice. They are likely to be more experienced with ADHD in adults and will also check you for other mental health issues like depression. They may also send letters of recommendation to your workplace or school should you require. Costs vary, but typically vary from PS500 to PS1,200 in London.