Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Being diagnosed with adhd as an adult can be challenging. NHS services are underfunded and referrals to tests can take a long time.
Once referred, a psychiatrist will be looking to confirm that the symptoms were present since the time of childhood (old school reports can help) and will inquire about co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety. A private route can be a faster and more thorough service.
How can I get a diagnosis?
If you're having trouble keeping up with tasks at home or work, are losing your keys frequently, or are having trouble keeping in touch with family members, it might be worth talking to your GP about possible ADHD. Although many people with ADHD do not have a diagnosis, it's the most frequent mental health problem in the UK. The good news is that getting an accurate diagnosis and beginning treatment will allow you to get back on the right track.
If your GP agrees that you may have ADHD they will refer you to a mental health clinic. Most often, this is an a community or neurodevelopmental mental health service. There might be a long wait for an assessment, but you can accelerate the process by doing certain things.
You may be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire prior to the ADHD assessment. It will ask you how often you experience specific symptoms and how distressing these are. The doctor who is conducting your assessment will also need to know if you have had these symptoms since childhood, so they may request old school reports or other evidence from relatives.
The psychiatrist will also want you to be sure that your condition causes significant impairment in at the very least two areas of your life. This could include losing your job due to poor time management, having major conflict and distress in your relationship, or getting into financial trouble due to excessive spending.
Before your assessment, a medical examination will be conducted to rule out any other medical conditions which could be causing symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or seizures disorder. They will also check to find out if you have other physical impairments, like a hearing loss or learning disability.
If you decide to have a private assessment it is an excellent idea to consult your doctor to determine whether they will sign a "Shared Care Agreement" with the clinic you prefer. This means that the clinic will contact your GP with the required paperwork to permit you to return to your NHS provider for treatment. This will include medication and CBT therapy.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing experience for those who have lived with the symptoms all their lives. It can provide a number of the reasons why they've been struggling, and can also provide hope for the future. A diagnosis can bring numerous difficult feelings.
A private ADHD evaluation by a specialist psychiatrist will help you get a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. They will use different methods to assess your symptoms, including symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They will also ask you to describe how your symptoms impact your daily life, and may request information from your family or acquaintances.
They will then use this evidence to make a diagnosing decision. They will determine the way your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life and if they are causing significant impairment. They will also determine whether you suffer from other mental health problems that can cause similar symptoms. If they conclude that you have ADHD they will usually prescribe medication. They will also discuss with you whether you should consider other options, such as CBT or other non-pharmacological methods.
The use of medication can be extremely beneficial for people with ADHD, but it's not a cure. It can be difficult to manage the negative effects of ADHD medication. It is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor.
In England this year, more adults were prescribed medications for ADHD than children. This is a significant increase compared to previous years and has become even more pronounced following the Covid-19 pandemic. This rise in prescribing has been mainly due to the availability of drugs that were previously only available to children. adhd adults diagnosis uk prescribed drugs are methylphenidate hydrochloride as well as lisdexamfeta dimesylate.
If you want to seek an individual ADHD assessment, we suggest you speak to your GP first to see what the NHS can offer you. They will be happy to refer you for an ADHD assessment, however there could be long 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 explains that only a specialist can diagnose ADHD and they can't refuse.
CBT
An ADHD diagnosis can be a major life-changing event for adults. Many people find it provides an explanation for their problems throughout their lives and can help them understand why they differ. It can be a difficult condition to manage. People with ADHD struggle with interactions, jobs and in their studies. They may be frustrated and misunderstood. It can be helpful to seek out support from other 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 visit a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist. In the UK, they are the only healthcare professionals competent to diagnose adult ADHD. It is possible that you will have trouble getting an assessment. Sometimes doctors, psychologists, and nurses aren't aware of the condition and they might react with prejudices against those who suffer from ADHD. It is possible to have to try several times before finding a specialist with appropriate expertise and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your appointment, your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your symptoms are causing you to suffer from impairment. They will ask you about your symptoms, their impact on your life, and whether you have a background of ADHD in your family. They will also rule out other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and thyroid issues, which could be associated with similar symptoms as ADHD. They will likely use questionnaires and ratings scales to assess ADHD symptoms. However they won't just rely on these to make a diagnose.
After the clinical evaluation, your psychiatrist will discuss and decide on a treatment plan. You will probably be offered medication, but your doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with other psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is very effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually delivered in person, but it is also possible to receive it on the internet or via phone.
CBT helps you modify your thinking and behavior to lessen the negative effects of ADHD symptoms. It can also teach you to deal with difficult emotions like shame or embarrassment. Additionally, CBT can teach you techniques to manage your symptoms, like time management and self-care.
Support
Help is available for those who are not sure if you have ADHD. There are a variety of treatment options that include medication and talk therapies. There are many services to assist you at work, at school, or at home. The Access to Work scheme offers practical and financial assistance to those who are not able to find work due to ADHD. This scheme is specifically designed for adults with ADHD in paid employment and may cover things such as job coaching and training. There are many charities that can assist you in finding work or return to work. The ADD UK website has a list of charities. You can also get help with the cost of medications through the Pharmacy Direct service.
If your GP does not have the time or knowledge to provide you with an ADHD assessment, you may ask for an appointment with a specialist doctor. This may require a longer assessment, a physical examination and a discussion with those who know you. You'll have to provide details regarding your symptoms and the length of time they've been present for. They must be sure that your issues aren't caused by a different condition, such as a mood disorder.
GPs and other healthcare professionals will need to be aware of the differentiators between adults and children's ADHD symptoms and how these symptoms can change over the years. You can prepare for your test by writing down a few instances of symptoms you've experienced and how they affected you. This is especially important if the symptoms occurred in childhood. Also, you can write down any problems you have in your life. Bring details if you, for instance, struggle with organizing your home, or interacting well with others.
You can try to obtain a diagnosis from the NHS for ADHD but it's usually a lengthy process. NHS GPs, specialists and other healthcare professionals are usually under-resourced and have little knowledge of ADHD. The best option is to see an individual psychiatrist. They are more likely to be familiar with ADHD in adults and will screen for mental health issues such as depression. They may also send recommendations to your school or work when needed. Prices vary but costs typically range from PS500 to PS1,200 in London.