Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Getting an adhd diagnosis as an adult can be a challenge. NHS services are underfunded, and referrals for assessments can take quite a while.
After being referred, a psychiatrist will be looking to confirm that the symptoms are present since the time of childhood (old school reports could help) and will also inquire about co-morbidities like anxiety and depression. Private treatment can be more professional, quicker and more sensitive.
How do you get a medical diagnosis
Talk to your GP in case you're having trouble keeping up with your responsibilities at home or at work, if you lose your keys often, or if you are having difficulty keeping in touch with your family. While many adults with ADHD do not have a diagnosis, it is the most prevalent mental health issue in the UK. The good news is that getting an accurate diagnosis and beginning treatment will help you get back on track.
If your doctor believes you might have ADHD, they will refer you to a mental health clinic. This is often an in-person mental health clinic or an specialized neurodevelopmental service. It may be a long wait to get an assessment but there are actions you can take to help speed up the process.
Before you undergo your ADHD assessment, it's likely that you will be asked to complete questionnaires that rate 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 experienced these symptoms since childhood, and they may ask for old school reports or evidence from relatives.
The psychiatrist will want to ensure that your symptoms are causing 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 getting into financial difficulties because of impulsive purchases.
Before the assessment an examination for medical conditions will be conducted to rule out any medical conditions which could be causing symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or seizures disorder. They will also check to determine if you suffer from any other physical limitations, such as a hearing loss or learning disability.
If you decide to undergo an assessment in private it is recommended to confirm whether your doctor will sign an agreement called a Shared Care Agreement with the clinic you've selected. This means that the clinic will contact your GP with the paperwork to permit you to return to your NHS provider to receive treatment, which includes medication and CBT therapy.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for adults who have struggled all their lives with symptoms of this disorder. It can help explain why they have been struggling and offer hope for their future. However, a diagnosis may bring about a variety of emotions that are difficult to manage.
A private ADHD assessment by a specialist psychiatrist will assist you in getting an assessment and receive the best treatment for your symptoms. They will use different methods to evaluate your symptoms, including checklists of symptoms and behaviour rating scales. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might request information from family members or friends.
They will then use the evidence to make a diagnosis decision. They will determine how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life and if they are causing you to suffer from impairment. They will also determine whether you have other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms. If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will usually prescribe medication. They will also ask you whether you'd like to look into other options like CBT or other non-pharmacological treatments.
The medication can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. However it's not an answer to the problem. It can be challenging to manage the side effects of ADHD medication. It is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor.
In England this year, more adults were prescribed medication for ADHD than children. This is an increase over previous years, and is even more so following the Covid-19 epidemic. This increase in prescribing is mainly due the availability of drugs previously reserved for children. The most frequently prescribed medications are methylphenidate Hydrochloride and Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.
We suggest speaking with your GP to find out what the NHS offers before you seek a private ADHD assessment. You may be able to get an ADHD assessment recommended by your GP, but there could be a lengthy waiting list. If this is the case, 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 diagnose it.
CBT
An ADHD diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for adults. Many people find that it helps them comprehend their differences and provides an explanation for the challenges they've had to face throughout their lives. It can be a difficult condition to manage. People with ADHD have difficulty in their relationships, work and academics. They may be frustrated and are often misunderstood. It is helpful to seek out support from other people who suffer from ADHD and it is important to remember that you're not the only one.
The best method to be diagnosed with ADHD is to consult an expert psychologist or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals certified to diagnose adult ADHD in the UK. However, you may encounter difficulties when trying to obtain a diagnosis. Sometimes doctors, psychologists and nurses aren't aware of the condition, and they might react with anti-ADHD prejudice. You may need to try several times before finding a doctor with the right knowledge and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your consultation your psychiatrist will assess whether your symptoms are causing serious impairment. They will ask you about your symptoms, the impact they have on your life, and if you have any background of ADHD in your family. They will also want to rule out other illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and thyroid issues, which could have similar symptoms to ADHD. They will likely use questionnaires and ratings scales to evaluate ADHD symptoms. However, they will not use them solely to diagnose.
After the clinical evaluation, your psychiatrist will discuss the outcome and decide on the best treatment plan. They'll likely recommend medication, but they may also recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other psychological treatments. Cognitive behavioural therapy is very effective for treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually delivered face-to-face however it can also be provided over the phone or online.
CBT teaches you to modify your behaviour and thought processes to lessen the negative effects of your ADHD symptoms. It can also help you to deal with difficult emotions like shame or embarrassment. Additionally, CBT can teach you skills to help manage your symptoms, such as self-care and time management.
Support
Help is available if you are not sure if you have ADHD. There are a myriad of options for treatment which include medication and other therapies. There are also services which can assist you in your work as well as your school and the home life. The Access to Work scheme offers financial and practical assistance for those who are unable to find work due ADHD. The scheme will pay for things such as job coaching and training, and is targeted at adults with ADHD who are in paid work. There are Highly recommended Resource site that can help you get back to work or find the right job. The ADD UK site has a list. Pharmacy Direct can help you with the cost of your medication.
If your GP doesn't have the time or know-how to give you an ADHD assessment, you may request the referral to a specialist doctor. This will probably involve 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, the length of time they've been present and the impact they have on you. They should ensure that your symptoms aren't caused by another condition such as a mental disorder.
GPs and other healthcare professionals are required to be aware of the differentiators between adults and children's ADHD symptoms and how the symptoms may change over the years. It is a good idea to prepare for the test by writing down examples of your symptoms and how they've affected you, especially during your childhood. You may also provide written information about any issues you experience in your personal life. Bring details if, for example, you struggle with organizing your home, or interacting well with other people.
You can try to get an NHS diagnosis for ADHD however this is often a lengthy process. NHS doctors and specialists have little understanding of the condition and they are often under resourced. Private psychiatrists are the best option. They are likely to be more familiar with ADHD in adults, and will screen you for other mental health conditions like depression. They can also offer letters of recommendation to your workplace or school when needed. Prices vary, but in London they typically vary between PS500 and PS1,200.