Getting an ADD Diagnosis As an Adult
Being diagnosed with adhd as an adult can be difficult. NHS services aren't funded and referrals to tests can take a long time.
A psychiatrist will confirm that symptoms were present since childhood (old school records could help) and will inquire about co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety. Private therapy can be more professional, faster and more understanding.
How can I get a diagnosis?
If you're struggling to keep up with your tasks at work or at home, are losing your keys often or are having difficulty staying in contact with family members, it may be worth talking to your GP regarding possible ADHD. ADHD is the most prevalent mental illness in the UK, even though many adults aren't aware they have it. The good news is that getting an accurate diagnosis and undergoing treatment can help you get your life back in order.
If your doctor thinks you may have ADHD they will refer you to a mental health care provider. It is usually a community mental health or an specialized neurodevelopmental service. There could be a long wait for an assessment however, you can accelerate the process by implementing certain actions.
Before you undergo your ADHD assessment It is likely that you will be asked to answer questionnaires that assess the frequency with which you experience certain symptoms and how distressing they are. The psychiatrist who will conduct your assessment will also need to know if you've had these symptoms since childhood, and they may request old school reports or evidence from relatives.
The psychiatrist will want to ensure that your symptoms cause significant impairment in two aspects of your lives. This could include losing your job because of poor time management, having a lot of stress and conflict in your relationship, or getting into financial problems due to the impulse to buy.
Before your assessment is completed, a medical exam will be conducted to rule out any other medical conditions that may be causing symptoms such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorder. They will also determine if you suffer from any other physical disabilities such as hearing loss or a learning disability.
If you decide to go for a private assessment it's recommended to confirm that your doctor is willing to sign a 'Shared Care Agreement' with the clinic you have selected. This means that the clinic will contact your GP with the required paperwork that allows you to go back to your NHS provider to receive treatment, which includes 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 things about the reasons why they've struggled, and also give them hope for the future. However, a diagnosis can also bring up lots of emotions that are difficult to deal with.
A private ADHD assessment with an expert psychiatrist is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and ensure that you can receive the appropriate treatment to help with your symptoms. They will use different methods to assess your symptoms, including symptom checklists and scales of behaviour. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. They might also ask for information from friends or family members.
The doctor will then use the evidence to make the diagnosis. They will consider how your ADHD symptoms affect your life and determine if they are causing significant impairment. They will also consider whether you suffer from other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms. If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they'll usually prescribe medication. They will also discuss with you whether or not you should consider alternatives, like CBT or other non-pharmacological methods.
Medication can be very helpful for people with ADHD, but it's not an effective treatment. It can be difficult to manage the negative effects of ADHD medication. It's important that you adhere to the instructions of your doctor.
In England last year, more adults were prescribed medication for ADHD than children. This is a significant rise compared to previous years and has gotten more severe following the Covid-19 pandemic. This increase in prescribing is mainly due the availability of medications previously reserved for children. The most commonly used medications are methylphenidate Hydrochloride and Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.
We suggest speaking with your GP to find out what the NHS can offer you before you request an independent ADHD evaluation. They'll be more than happy to refer you for an ADHD assessment, but there may be lengthy waiting lists. Print the letter of support from ADHD UK and take it to your appointment in case this is the case. The letter explains how only an expert can diagnose ADHD and they can't refuse.
CBT
An ADHD diagnosis can be a life-changing event for adults. Many people feel it provides an explanation for their struggles throughout their lives. It can help them to understand how they are different. However, it can also be extremely difficult to deal with. People suffering from ADHD often face difficulties in their relationships, work, and studies. They can feel judged and angry with themselves. It is helpful to seek help from people who suffer from ADHD It is important to remember that you're not alone.
The best method to be diagnosed with ADHD is to consult an expert psychologist or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are qualified to diagnose adult ADHD in the UK. It is possible that you will have trouble getting a diagnosis. Sometimes, GPs, psychologists, and nurses are not aware of the condition and they might react with prejudices against those who suffer from ADHD. You may need to go through several times before finding a specialist with the appropriate knowledge and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
During your visit the psychiatrist will try to evaluate whether your symptoms result in significant impairment. They will ask you about your symptoms, the impact they have on your life, and if you have any history of ADHD in your family. They will also want you to rule out other conditions such as thyroid issues, depression, anxiety and thyroid problems which may share similar symptoms as ADHD. They may utilize rating scales and questionnaires to assess your ADHD symptoms however they won't use these alone to make the diagnosis.
After the clinical evaluation your psychiatrist will then discuss the results and then decide on a treatment plan. diagnosing adhd may recommend medication, but they may also recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other psychological treatments. Cognitive behavioural therapy is extremely effective in treating ADHD symptoms. It is usually delivered face-toface but it could be delivered via phone or online.
CBT can help you modify your thinking and behavior to reduce the negative impacts of your ADHD symptoms. It can also teach you how to manage distressing feelings like shame or embarrassment. In addition, CBT can teach you strategies to manage your symptoms, such as time management and self-care.
Support
Assistance is available if you are not sure if you have ADHD. There are a myriad of choices for treatment that include medication and talk therapies. There are many services to assist you at work, at school, or at home. If you are unable to work due to your ADHD, the Access to Work scheme can provide financial and practical help. The scheme will pay for things such as training and job coaching, and is targeted towards adults with ADHD who are in paid employment. There are also charities that can assist you in getting back into work or find the right job. 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 doesn't have the time or knowledge to conduct an ADHD assessment, you can ask for an appointment with a specialist doctor. This will probably involve a more thorough assessment, a physical exam and interviews with people who know you. The GP will need to have detailed information from you about your symptoms, how long they have been present for and their impact on you. They should be confident that your problems are not better explained by a different condition, such as an anxiety disorder.
GPs and other healthcare professionals should be aware of the differences between adult and child ADHD symptoms, and how those symptoms may change over the years. It's a good idea to prepare for the assessment by recording your symptoms and how they've affected you, particularly in childhood. You may also bring written details of any issues you face in your personal life. For example, if you struggle with organizing your home or getting along with your friends it might be helpful to document these issues.
You can try to get an NHS diagnosis for ADHD but it is usually a lengthy process. NHS GPs, specialists and other healthcare professionals are usually not well-equipped and do not have a good understanding of ADHD. Private psychiatrists are the best option. They are likely to be more familiar with ADHD in adults, and can examine you for any other mental health conditions like depression. They can also provide recommendations to your work or school if needed. Prices vary but costs typically range from PS500 to PS1,200 in London.