Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
It can be a challenge to get an adhd diagnosis in adulthood. NHS services are not funded, and referrals for assessments can take an extended time.
Once referred, adhd diagnosis in adults will be looking to confirm that the symptoms have been present since the time of childhood (old school reports can aid) and will also inquire about co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety. Private treatment can be more professional, faster and more compassionate.
How do I get a medical diagnosis
It is recommended to speak with your GP when you're struggling to keep up with your home or at work, if you frequently lose your keys, or if you are having difficulty keeping in touch with your family. ADHD is the most frequent mental disorder in the UK and many adults aren't aware they have it. The good news is that obtaining an accurate diagnosis and beginning treatment can help you get your life back in order.
If your doctor believes you might have ADHD If he or she suspects that you may have ADHD, they will refer you to an appropriate mental health clinic. It is usually an adult neurodevelopmental or community mental health service. It can be a long wait for an assessment but there are actions you can take to speed the process.
You may be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire prior to you undergo your ADHD assessment. It will ask you how often you experience specific symptoms and how distressing these are. The psychiatrist who conducts the assessment may also require documents from your school or other evidence of symptoms you've experienced since childhood.
The psychiatrist will also want to be sure that your condition causes significant impairment in at least two aspects of your life. This could include losing your job due to inadequate time management, causing major conflict and distress in your relationship, or getting into financial trouble due to the impulsive spending.
A medical examination will also be performed prior to your examination to rule out any other medical conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms you've been experiencing, like seizures or thyroid issues. They will also check to find out if you have other physical limitations, such as a hearing loss or learning disability.
If you are considering having an assessment privately, it's a good idea that you ask your GP to see if they are willing to sign an "Shared Care Agreement" with the clinic you prefer. This means that the clinic will write to your GP with the paperwork to permit 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 lived with the symptoms all their lives. It can help them understand why they've been struggling and give them hope for the future. A diagnosis can trigger many emotions.
A private ADHD assessment with a specialist psychiatrist is the best way to receive an assessment and ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. They will use different methods to evaluate your symptoms, including checklists of symptoms and behaviour rating scales. They will also ask you to describe how your symptoms impact your daily activities and request any details from your family or friends.
The doctor will then use the evidence to come up with a diagnosis. They will look at how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and whether they are causing you significant impairment. They will also determine whether you have other mental health issues that may cause similar symptoms. If they decide that you have ADHD they will typically prescribe medication. They will also ask if you would like to consider other options like CBT or other non-pharmacological treatments.
Medication can be very helpful for people with ADHD however it's not a cure. It can be challenging to manage the adverse effects of ADHD medication. It's important that you follow your doctor's instructions.
In England in the this year adults were prescribed more ADHD medication than children. This is a significant increase in comparison to previous years and has gotten more severe following the Covid-19 pandemic. This rise in prescribing has been mainly due to the availability of drugs that were previously only available for children. The most commonly prescribed drugs are methylphenidate Hydrochloride and Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.
If you're looking to get an individual ADHD assessment, we suggest that you consult your GP first to find out what the NHS can provide you with. They should be happy to refer you to an ADHD assessment, however there may be long waiting lists. If this is the case, you can print a letter of support from ADHD UK to take to your appointment. The letter states 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 struggles throughout their lives. It can help them understand why they differ. It can be a difficult condition to manage. People who suffer from ADHD are often struggling with interactions, jobs and academics. They may feel angry and are often misunderstood. It can be helpful to seek help from people who have ADHD and it is important to remember that you are not alone.
The best method to diagnose ADHD is to consult 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 might have difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Doctors, nurses and psychologists may be ignorant of the condition and may react with anti-ADHD prejudice. You might need 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 determine whether your symptoms are causing you to suffer from impairment. They will inquire about your symptoms, how they impact your life, and whether you have a family history of ADHD in your family. They will also ask you to rule out conditions like depression, thyroid issues and anxiety as well as thyroid issues that may have similar symptoms to ADHD. They will likely utilize rating scales and questionnaires to determine your ADHD symptoms however they won't use these alone to establish the diagnosis.
Following the clinical evaluation the psychiatrist will talk about the outcome and decide on the best treatment plan. They may recommend medication, but they might also recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other psychological treatments. Cognitive behavioural therapy is very effective for treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually provided in person, however it is also possible to receive it via the internet or by phone.
CBT can help you modify your thinking and behavior to lessen the negative effects of your ADHD symptoms. It can help you learn to manage distressing emotions such as shame or embarrassment. CBT can also teach you skills that can help you manage your symptoms. For instance, time management and self care.
Support
If you are struggling with a diagnosis of undiagnosed ADHD There is help available. There are many choices for treatment, including medication and talking therapies. There are also services which can assist you in your work as well as your school and home life. If you are unable to work because of your ADHD, the Access to Work scheme can offer financial and practical assistance. The scheme can pay for things such as job coaching and training and is targeted at adults with ADHD who are employed in work. There are charities which can assist you in finding a job or get back to work. The ADD UK website has a list of organizations. Pharmacy Direct can help you with the cost of your medication.
You could ask your GP to refer you to an expert if they don't have time or the experience to assess ADHD. This may require an in-depth assessment, a physical exam and interviews with people who know you. The GP will require detailed information from you about your symptoms, how long they have been present and their impact on you. They must be sure that your symptoms are not caused by a different condition such as a mental disorder.
Health professionals and doctors should be aware of the differences between ADHD symptoms in children and adults, and how they may change in time. It's a good idea prepare for the test by recording examples of your symptoms and how they have affected you, specifically in childhood. Also, you can write down any problems you have in your personal life. For instance, if have trouble organising your home or making friends with others it might be helpful to document these issues.
You can attempt to obtain an NHS diagnosis for ADHD but this is often a lengthy process. NHS Specialists and GPs are not knowledgeable about the condition and are often under resourced. Private psychiatrists are the best option. They are likely to be more acquainted with ADHD in adults and screen you for mental health problems like depression. If required, they will also send letters of recommendation to your workplace or school. Prices vary, but generally range from PS500 to PS1,200 in London.