Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Being diagnosed with adhd as an adult can be challenging. NHS services aren't funded, and there may be long wait times before being sent for an assessment.
If referred to a psychiatrist, they will need to confirm if the symptoms are present since childhood (old school reports may help) and will inquire about co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression. A private route can be a quicker, more understanding and professional service.
How do I obtain a medical diagnosis
It is recommended to speak with your GP if you are having difficulty keeping up with your work or home or if you lose your keys often, or if you have difficulty staying in contact with your family. Although many people with ADHD do not have an official diagnosis, it is the most prevalent mental health problem in the UK. The good news is that getting an accurate diagnosis and undergoing treatment can help you get back on track.
If your doctor thinks you may have ADHD they will refer you to a mental health service. It is usually an a community or neurodevelopmental mental health service. There may be a lengthy wait for an evaluation, but you can accelerate the process by doing certain things.
Before your ADHD assessment It is likely that you'll be asked to complete questionnaires to determine the frequency you experience certain symptoms and how distressing they are. The psychiatrist conducting your assessment may also request documents from your school or other evidence of symptoms you've experienced since childhood.
The doctor will confirm that your symptoms are causing significant impairments in two aspects of your lives. This could mean you lose your job because of poor time management, experiencing major conflicts and discontent in your relationship, or slipping into financial difficulties due to the impulsive spending.
Before your assessment, a medical examination will be conducted to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorder. They will also see if you have any other physical impairments, like a hearing loss or learning disability.
If you are considering having a private assessment it is a good idea that you ask your GP if they will accept the "Shared Care Agreement" with the clinic of your choice. This means that the clinic will send your GP with the paperwork that allows you to go back to your NHS provider for treatment. This will include CBT and medication therapy.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing experience for adults who have suffered with the disorder throughout their lives. It can explain a lot of the reasons why they've been struggling, and can also provide hope for the future. However, a diagnosis may also bring up lots of feelings that are difficult to handle.
A private ADHD assessment with an expert psychiatrist is the best way to get an assessment and ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment to help with your symptoms. They will employ a variety of methods to assess your symptoms including symptoms checklists, behavior rating scales and more. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily functioning. They may also ask for information from friends or family members.
They will then use the evidence to make a diagnosis decision. They will consider the way your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life and determine if they are causing significant impairment. They will also check if you have any other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms. If they find that you have ADHD, they will prescribe medication. They will also ask whether you'd like to look into other options like CBT and other non-pharmacological methods.
The medication can be very beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. However, it is not an answer to the problem. Controlling the adverse effects of ADHD medication can be difficult, and it's important to follow the doctor's recommendations.
In England last year the number of adults who were prescribed medicines for ADHD than children. This is an increase over previous years, and has become more prominent following the Covid-19 epidemic. The rise in prescriptions is primarily due to the availability of medications that were previously only available for children. The most commonly prescribed medications are methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine.
We suggest speaking with your GP to find out what the NHS can offer you prior to requesting an individual ADHD evaluation. You may be able to receive an ADHD assessment recommended by your GP, but there could be a lengthy waiting list. If this is the case, you can print a support letter from ADHD UK to take to your appointment. The letter explains that only a specialist doctor can diagnose ADHD and they can't refuse to diagnose it.
CBT
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the life of an adult. more info report 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 suffering from ADHD are often struggling with relationships, work and academics. They may feel unappreciated and unhappy with themselves. It is helpful to seek help from people who have ADHD It is important to remember that you are not alone.
The most effective method of diagnosing ADHD is to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist who is an expert. They are the only healthcare professionals qualified to diagnose adult ADHD in the UK. However, you could encounter difficulty when trying to get a diagnosis. Doctors, nurses and psychologists can be ignorant of the condition and may respond with anti-ADHD prejudice. You might need to go through several times before finding a doctor with the right knowledge and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your consultation the psychiatrist will determine whether your symptoms are causing significant impairment. They will inquire about your symptoms, how they have affected your life, and if you have any family history of ADHD. They will also want to rule out other illnesses like depression, anxiety, and thyroid issues, which may be associated with similar symptoms as ADHD. They may employ rating scales and questionnaires to determine your ADHD symptoms but they won't use these alone to establish an assessment.
After the evaluation, your psychiatrist will discuss and decide on the treatment plan. They may recommend medication, but they might also recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other psychological treatments. Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually delivered face-toface, but can be delivered over the phone or online.
CBT teaches you to modify your thinking and behavior to reduce the negative impacts of your ADHD symptoms. It can help you learn to deal with difficult emotions like shame or embarrassment. CBT can teach you techniques that can assist you in managing your symptoms. For instance time management, self care.
Support
If you are struggling with a diagnosis of undiagnosed ADHD There is help out there. There are a myriad of treatment options which include medication and other therapies. There are services available to assist you at work, in school, or at home. The Access to Work scheme offers practical and financial assistance for those who are unable to find work due to ADHD. The scheme will help with things like training and job coaching, and is targeted towards adults with ADHD who are employed in work. There are many charities that can help you find work or return to work. The ADD UK website has a list of organisations. You can also seek help with the cost of medication through the Pharmacy Direct service.
You can request your GP to refer you to a specialist if they don't have the time or experience to assess ADHD. This may require a longer assessment including a physical exam and a discussion with those who know you. The GP will need to have complete information from you about your symptoms, the length of time they've been present and their impact on you. They must be sure that your issues aren't caused by a different illness, for example a mood disorder.
GPs and healthcare professionals must be aware of the differentiators between ADHD symptoms for adults and children, and how they change as time passes. It's a good idea to prepare for the test by writing down examples of your symptoms and how they've affected you, specifically during your childhood. Also, you can write down any issues you face in your personal life. Bring them in case you are having trouble organizing your home or interacting well with your friends.
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-equipped. The best option is to visit an individual psychiatrist. They are likely to be more adept at treating ADHD in adults and will also screen you for other mental health conditions, such as depression. If required, they will provide recommendations to your employer or school. Prices vary, but generally vary from PS500 to PS1,200 in London.