Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Getting an adhd diagnosis as an adult can be challenging. NHS services are underfunded and there can be long wait times to be assessed.
If referred to a psychiatrist, they will be looking to confirm that symptoms have been present since childhood (old school reports can help) and will also inquire about co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression. Private treatment can be more professional, faster and more compassionate.
How do you get a diagnosis?
Talk to your GP when you're struggling to keep up with your work or home, if you lose your keys often or have difficulty staying in touch 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 that getting a diagnosis that is accurate and beginning treatment will help you get back on track.
If your doctor believes you may have ADHD the doctor will send you to a suitable mental health provider. It is usually a community mental health or an specialized neurodevelopmental service. There may be a lengthy wait for an assessment however, you can accelerate the process by implementing certain actions.
You might be asked to fill out the questionnaire prior to you undergo your ADHD assessment. The questionnaire will ask how often you experience specific symptoms and how difficult they are. The psychiatrist conducting the assessment may also require documents from your school or other evidence of symptoms you've experienced since childhood.
The psychiatrist will confirm that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two areas of your lives. This could mean losing your job because of poor time management, experiencing major conflict and distress in your relationship, or slipping into financial trouble due to impulsive spending.
Before your assessment an examination for medical conditions will be conducted to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing symptoms such as thyroid disorders or seizures disorder. They'll also ensure that you do not have other physical disabilities such as a learning disability or hearing loss.
If you choose to go for an individual assessment it's recommended to confirm that your doctor is willing to sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with the clinic you've chosen. This means that the clinic will contact your GP with the necessary paperwork that allows you to go back to your NHS provider for treatment, which will include CBT and medication therapy.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing experience for those who have lived with the symptoms throughout their lives. It can help to explain why they have been struggling and provide hope for the future. However, a diagnosis could also bring up lots of emotions that are difficult to manage.
A private ADHD assessment with an expert psychiatrist is the best way to receive an accurate diagnosis and ensure that you can receive the appropriate treatment to alleviate your symptoms. They will use different methods to determine your symptoms including symptoms checklists, behaviour rating scales, and more. They will also ask you to describe how your symptoms impact your daily activities and request any information from your family or acquaintances.
They will then use this evidence to make a diagnosing decision. They will determine how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and whether they are causing you significant impairment. They will also determine if you have any other mental health issues that might cause similar symptoms. If they conclude that you suffer from ADHD, they will prescribe medication. They will also ask you whether you'd like to look into other options such as CBT and other non-pharmacological interventions.
The medication can be extremely beneficial for people with ADHD. However it's not an effective treatment. The management of the side effects of ADHD medications can be a challenge and it's crucial to follow your doctor's advice.
In England last year, more adults were prescribed medications for ADHD than children. This is an increase over previous years, and has become more prominent since the Covid-19 pandemic. This rise in prescribing is mostly due to the availability of drugs that were previously only available for children. The most frequently prescribed medications are methylphenidate hydrochloride as well as lisdexamfeta dimesylate.
If you're interested in a private ADHD assessment, we recommend that you talk to your GP first to determine what the NHS can provide you with. They will be more than happy to refer you for an ADHD assessment, however there may be lengthy waiting lists. You can print out an official letter from ADHD UK and take it to your appointment in case this is the case. The letter states that only a specialist physician can diagnose ADHD, and they cannot refuse to do so.
CBT
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the life of an adult. adhd in adults diagnosis find that it helps them understand their differences and gives an explanation for the challenges they've faced throughout their lives. It is a difficult condition to manage. People who suffer from ADHD have difficulty in their work, relationships and in their studies. They can feel judged and unhappy with themselves. It is helpful to seek out support from other people who have ADHD It is important to remember that you're not alone.
The most effective method of diagnosing ADHD is by consulting an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is an expert. In the UK, they are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose adult ADHD. You may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes doctors, psychologists, and nurses are unaware of the condition, and they may 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 in adults.
During your visit your psychiatrist will assess whether your symptoms are causing significant impairment. They will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life, and whether you have a family history of ADHD. They will also want to rule out any conditions like depression, thyroid issues or thyroid problems that may have similar symptoms as ADHD. They will likely utilize questionnaires and ratings scales to determine ADHD symptoms. However they won't just rely on these to diagnose.
After the examination, your psychiatrist will discuss the results and then decide on the best treatment plan. They will likely offer you medication, but they could also recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other treatments for the mind. Cognitive behavioural therapy is extremely effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually delivered face-to-face, but can also be offered via phone or online.
CBT assists you in changing your behavior and thinking processes to reduce the negative effects of ADHD symptoms. It can help you learn to deal with difficult emotions like shame or embarrassment. CBT can teach you techniques that can help you manage your symptoms. For instance time management, self-care.
Support
If you're struggling with a diagnosis of undiagnosed ADHD, there is help out there. Talking therapies are available as well as medication and other treatments. There are also services which can support your workplace or school, as well as your family life. The Access to Work scheme offers financial and practical assistance to those who are unable to find work due ADHD. The scheme is specifically designed for adults with ADHD employed in a paid position and can cover things like job coaching and training. There are charities that can help you get back to work or find an opportunity to work. The ADD UK site has a list. You can also seek help in determining the cost of medication through the Pharmacy Direct service.
If your GP doesn't have the time or expertise to conduct an ADHD assessment, you can request the referral to a specialist doctor. This may require an extensive examination, physical exam, and interviews with people who know you. The GP will need to have detailed information from you about your symptoms, how long they've been present and their impact on you. They will need to be confident that your problems are not caused by another condition such as an anxiety disorder.
Healthcare professionals and doctors should be aware of the differences between ADHD symptoms in children and adults, and how they may change over time. You can prepare for your assessment by writing down a few examples of the symptoms you've experienced and how they affected you. This is especially important if the symptoms were experienced in childhood. It is also possible to write down any issues you have that you face in your daily life. Bring the details if, for example, you are having trouble organizing your home, or interacting well with others.
You can attempt to obtain an NHS diagnosis for ADHD but this is often a lengthy process. NHS doctors and specialists are not knowledgeable about the condition and they are often under-equipped. The best option is to consult a private psychiatrist. They are likely to be more familiar with ADHD in adults and will also examine you for any other mental health conditions, such as depression. They may also send recommendation letters to your school or work if needed. Prices vary, but generally range from PS500 to PS1,200 in London.