Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Getting an adhd diagnosis as an adult can be challenging. NHS services are not funded and referrals to tests can take an extended time.
Once referred, a psychiatrist will want to confirm symptoms have been present since the time of childhood (old school reports may help) and will also inquire about co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety. Private therapy can be more professional, quicker and more compassionate.
How do you get a medical diagnosis
Talk to your GP in case you're having difficulty keeping up with your responsibilities at work or home, if you frequently lose your keys or have difficulty staying in touch with your family. Although many people with ADHD do not have a diagnosis, it is the most frequent mental health condition in the UK. The good news is getting an accurate diagnosis and beginning treatment can help you get back on path.
If your doctor thinks you might have ADHD and they suggest you to a mental health service. This could be an in-person mental health clinic or an specialized neurodevelopmental service. There might be a long wait for an assessment but you can accelerate the process by doing certain things.
You might be asked to fill out a questionnaire before the ADHD assessment. This will ask you how often you experience specific symptoms and how distressing these are. adults diagnosed with adhd conducting your assessment may also request old school records or other evidence of symptoms you've experienced since childhood.
The psychiatrist will want to confirm that your symptoms are causing significant impairment in two aspects of your life. This could mean losing your job because of poor time management, experiencing major conflict and distress in your relationship, or slipping into financial trouble because of impulsive spending.
Before the assessment an examination for medical conditions will be performed to rule out other medical conditions which could be causing symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorder. They will also ensure that you don't have any physical impairments, such as a learning disability or hearing loss.
If you choose to undergo a private assessment it is a good idea that you ask your GP to see if they are willing to sign an "Shared Care Agreement" with the clinic of your choice. This means the clinic will provide paperwork to your GP so that you can go back to your NHS provider to receive treatment. This will include medication and CBT.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is a life-changing experience for those who have struggled with the symptoms throughout their lives. It can help to explain why they have been struggling and provide hope for their future. However, a diagnosis could bring about a variety of feelings that are difficult to manage.
A private ADHD assessment with a specialist psychiatrist is the best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis and ensure that you can get the right treatment for 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 explain how your symptoms impact your daily life, and may request information from your family members or acquaintances.
The doctor will then utilize the evidence to make the diagnosis. They will examine the way your ADHD symptoms affect your life and if they are causing you significant impairment. They will also determine if you have any other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms. If they find that you suffer from ADHD, they will prescribe medication. They will also discuss with you whether or not you should consider alternative options, such as CBT or other non-pharmacological methods.
The medication can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. However, it is not a cure. It can be difficult to manage the adverse effects of ADHD medication. It's important that you 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 prescriptions is mainly due the availability of drugs previously reserved for children. The most frequently prescribed drugs are methylphenidate as well as lisdexamfetamine.
If you want to seek a private ADHD assessment, we recommend that you consult your GP first to see what the NHS can offer you. They will be more than happy to refer you to an ADHD assessment, however there may be lengthy waiting lists. You can print a letter of support from ADHD UK and take it to your appointment in case this is the case. The letter states that only a specialist doctor can diagnose ADHD and they are not able to refuse to diagnose it.
CBT
An ADHD diagnosis can be a life-changing event for adults. Many find that it helps them comprehend their differences and provides an explanation for the struggles they have faced throughout their lives. It can be a difficult condition to manage. People who suffer from ADHD often face difficulties in their relationships, work, and studies. They may be frustrated and misunderstood. It is beneficial to talk to other people who suffer from ADHD and to remember that you're certainly not all on your own.
The most effective method of diagnosing ADHD is to speak with an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is an expert. They are the only healthcare professionals qualified to diagnose adult ADHD in the UK. You may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes doctors, psychologists and nurses are unaware of the disorder, and they may react with prejudices against those who suffer from ADHD. You may need to try several times before you find an expert who has the required knowledge and experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
During your visit your psychiatrist will want to determine whether your issues result in significant impairment. They will inquire about your symptoms, how they have affected your life, and if you have a family history of ADHD. They will also want to rule out other conditions such as thyroid issues, depression, anxiety and thyroid problems which may share similar symptoms as ADHD. They may use questionnaires and rating scales to determine your ADHD symptoms however they won't use these alone to determine an assessment.
After the clinical evaluation, your psychiatrist will discuss and decide on a treatment plan. They'll likely recommend medication, but they may also suggest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other treatments for the mind. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be extremely effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually delivered face-toface, but can be delivered via phone or online.
CBT helps you modify your thinking and behavior to lessen the negative effects of ADHD symptoms. It also teaches you to cope with distressing feelings like shame or embarrassment. Additionally, CBT can teach you skills to help manage your symptoms, including time management and self-care.
Support
Assistance is available if you are not sure if you have ADHD. There are a variety of choices for treatment that include medication and talk therapies. There are services that can help you at work, in school, or at home. The Access to Work scheme offers financial and practical assistance to those who are unable to find work due ADHD. The scheme is designed for adults with ADHD employed in a paid position and can cover things like job coaching and training. There are many charities that can help you find an employment opportunity or return to work. 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 expertise to conduct an ADHD assessment, you may request the referral to a specialist doctor. This could involve a longer assessment as well as physical examinations and interviews with people who know you. You'll have to provide details regarding your symptoms as well as the length of time they've been present for. They should be confident that your problems aren't caused by a different illness, for example a mood disorder.
Healthcare professionals and doctors should be aware of the differences between adult and child ADHD symptoms and how these symptoms can change over years. You can prepare for your exam by writing down a few instances of symptoms you've encountered, and how they affected you. This is especially important if the symptoms were experienced in your childhood. It is also possible to write down any issues that you are having that you face in your daily life. For instance, if you have trouble organising your home or interacting with other people, it may be useful to record these issues.
You can try to get an NHS diagnosis for ADHD but this is often a lengthy process. NHS GPs and specialists are not knowledgeable about the condition and are often under resourced. The best choice is to consult a private psychiatrist. They will likely be more acquainted with ADHD in adults and screen you for mental health conditions like depression. They may also send recommendation letters to your workplace or school if needed. Prices vary between countries, but in London they typically vary between PS500 and PS1,200.